Vaccine

A vaccine is a biological preparation that provides immunity to a specific disease. It usually contains a weakened or inactive form of the disease which then stimulates the body's immune system to recognize it as a threat and destroy it, giving it the means to destroy any further versions of it that it may encounter in the future.

Vaccines have been proven to be the most effective method of preventing and eradicating infectious diseases. The complete eradication of smallpox and significant reduction of polio, measles, and tetanus have proven as such.

Vaccines lead to a phenomenon known as "herd immunity" in which diseases cannot spread with ease as the majority of a population are vaccinated. However, herd immunity can only work if a certain percentage of the population is vaccinated.

Most vaccines are delivered via injection, although notable exceptions include the polio vaccine which is often delivered orally. This method was found to have certain advantages as it allowed for administration by staff without formal training, and reduced the risk of blood contamination.

Health funds launch flu vaccination campaigns as supplies gradually reach clinics

Health officials are urging the public to get vaccinated early, warning of high infection rates among children and the risk of complications.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2026|ByAVIHAI CHIIM

Flu vaccines at Clalit’s logistics center

UNICEF staff and airport workers receive an aircraft carrying medical supplies as authorities and aid agencies intensified efforts to contain a new Ebola outbreak involving the Bundibugyo strain at the Bunia National Airport in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 19, 2026.

DRC set to receive 70,000 Ebola vaccines, not approved for current strain, WHO says

Last week, the DRC had requested a release of Ervebo vaccines from the global Ebola virus disease vaccine stockpile, managed by the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision.

AUGUST 20, 2026|ByREUTERS

Passengers who disembarked from a boat intercepted by health authorities wait to be tested following the death of a passenger suspected of having Ebola, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, August 6, 2026.

Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history as death toll reaches new peak

Congo's public health institute said in its latest report that confirmed cases had risen to 4,945, including 101 new cases detected in the previous 24 hours.

AUGUST 17, 2026|ByREUTERS

A vial of MMR vaccine is prepared at Doctor Gary M. Kramer, MD, PA's Pediatric office on September 12, 2025, in Coral Gables, Florida

Trump order reduces US vaccine schedule, seeks to split MMR shot, cites autism diagnoses

The order advances a goal of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an anti-vaccine activist who has promoted a link between vaccines and autism that scientists have repeatedly debunked.

AUGUST 11, 2026|ByREUTERS

Grapevine: Miss Jerusalem of vision

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

AUGUST 2, 2025ByGREER FAY CASHMAN

Melanie Shiraz is crowned at Miss Universe Israel 2025.

Israeli researchers develop world-first mRNA vaccine against deadly bacteria

TAU’s vice president for research and development said that they worked on the project for two-and-a-half years and were very satisfied with their discoveries.

JULY 20, 2025ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

The researchers from Tel Aviv University (TAU) and the Israel Institute for Biological Research in the city of Nes Ziona.

Israeli researchers develop world's first mRNA-based vaccine against bacterium

The team from Tel Aviv University developed a vaccine to combat the bacterium that causes the black plague, using the same system as with the COVID-19 vaccines.

JULY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

The research team (Left to right) Prof. Dan Peer, Dr. Inbal Hazan-Halevy & Shani Benarroch.

Health Ministry launches digital vaccination record

After years of delays, Israel’s Health Ministry launched a service for viewing and downloading personal digital vaccination records, which includes all vaccines given.

JULY 13, 2025ByDR. ITAY GAL

Test results are often difficult to understand in Hebrew.

Trump's attorney general drops fraud case tied to COVID vaccinations

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who for decades has sown doubt about the safety of vaccines contrary to evidence and research by scientists.

JULY 12, 2025ByREUTERS

US Attorney-General Pam Bondi arrives to speak during the visit of US President Donald Trump to the Department of Justice to address its workers, in Washington, March 14, 2025.

At least 62 Israelis infected with measles amid outbreak, Health Ministry says

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease, transmitted through the air via tiny droplets from bodily fluids, such as during sneezing or coughing.

MAY 29, 2025ByDR. ITAY GAL, REUTERS

Cases of the measles rise in Israel.

Indonesia teams up with Bill Gates for pivotal TB vaccine trials

Subianto emphasized tuberculosis causes approximately 100,000 deaths annually, making its prevention a government priority.

MAY 9, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Indonesia teams up with Bill Gates for pivotal TB vaccine trials.

Surprising find: Same-arm vaccine shots enhance immunity

Antibodies from same-arm vaccinations showed increased effectiveness against variants.

APRIL 30, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Surprising find: Same-arm vaccine shots enhance immunity.

In a world first, Brazil approves chikungunya vaccine

The country is considered the epicenter of the disease in the Americas, with epidemics reported over the years.

APRIL 26, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

In a world first, Brazil approves chikungunya vaccine.

Shingles vaccine linked to 20 percent lower dementia risk in older adults

Researchers exploit a natural experiment in Wales to isolate the vaccine’s protective effect against dementia.

APRIL 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Shingles vaccine linked to 20 percent lower dementia risk in older adults.