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.

US health secretary Kennedy launches new push on vaccine injuries

The initiative is the latest step by Kennedy, who spent years questioning vaccine safety and founded an anti-vaccine group before taking office, to reshape federal immunization policy.

OCTOBER 9, 2026|ByREUTERS

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during an event on screen time harm in children at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, US, September 1, 2026.

Measles infection (illustrative)

New York declares first US measles disaster emergency since 2025 surge

The state expanded the pool of health professionals allowed to administer measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines as cases rise in rural communities.

OCTOBER 6, 2026|ByREUTERS

In a large European study, it was found that administering the protection reduced the risk of hospitalization due to RSV by about 83%.

The vaccine that reduced the risk of infant hospitalization by 83%

Some 130,000 infants in Israel have already received protection against RSV, and in Europe, an 83% decrease in the risk of hospitalization was measured. What should parents know before the winter?

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026|ByPROF. DOV ALBUKREK

Heidi Overton, President Trump's nominee to be the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, listens as US President Donald Trump speaks during a healthcare affordability event in the Oval Office.

Senate panel questions Trump FDA nominee Heidi Overton on vaccines, abortion pill, agency morale

The agency, responsible for regulating and approving all drugs, treatments, and vaccines, has faced concerns that it has become too political.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026|ByREUTERS

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.

Technion close to develop oral consumption of medications to tackle COVID, flu, instead of vaccines

Imagine if antibodies, hormones for fertility, proteins like insulin, and vaccines could be swallowed instead of taken by injection.

MARCH 16, 2025ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

PROF. ASSAF ZINGER’S team at work.

US CDC plans study into vaccines and autism, sources say

It is unclear whether US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who has long promoted anti-vaccine views, is involved in the planned CDC study or how it would be carried out.

MARCH 7, 2025ByREUTERS

Polio vaccine by injection.

Israeli teen diagnosed with polio, Health Ministry investigates

“The primary way to protect children from paralysis is through the inactivated polio vaccine,” the Health Ministry stated.

DECEMBER 25, 2024ByAVIHAI CHIIM

A coronavirus vaccine dose is seen being administered at a Meuhedet vaccination center in Jerusalem, on February 16, 2021.

Learning to count our blessings despite war, COVID, hurricanes, and more - opinion

Israel and the world both seem to be in a terrible mess at the moment. Wars, famine, droughts, hurricanes, massacres. Count our blessings? What blessings?

DECEMBER 18, 2024BySHLOMO MAITAL

Olim from North America arrive on a special " Aliyah flight" to the Ben Gurion airport

Trump repeats warning to Hamas to release hostages soon or face consequences

Trump said he would discuss ways to bring an end to the Ukraine war with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.

DECEMBER 16, 2024ByREUTERS

(Illustrative) Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and president-elect Donald Trump over a backdrop of hostage posters.