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.

Promising hantavirus vaccine research stalled by funding gap before outbreak

Promising early results have been put on the back burner despite renewed global concern following a deadly cruise ship outbreak.

MAY 20, 2026|ByASHER SMITH

Medics work outside of the cruise ship MV Hondius, which was affected by a hantavirus outbreak, after it arrived at the Port of Rotterdam, where Dutch authorities are preparing quarantine arrangements, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, May 18, 2026.

"The risk increases with age because the immune system weakens, but young people can also fall ill, especially in states of immunosuppression, whether as a result of diseases or medications"

Shingles: No longer just a disease of the elderly

If until a few years ago we tended to think that shingles was a disease of the elderly, cases like those of Adi Himmelbloy and Bar Zomer clarify that everyone is at risk, at any age.

MAY 14, 2026|ByDORON KUPERSTEIN

For many parents, the issue of vaccinations has become one of the most complex decisions

Expert explains: Is it better to get sick and develop natural immunity or to get vaccinated?

A decline in vaccination uptake alongside the return of dangerous diseases highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the scientific data and the real risks facing children and parents.

MAY 12, 2026|ByHELI NAVE

Vaccine

These are the vaccines every adult should get

From annual flu vaccines to those recommended for at-risk populations – this is the list of vaccines all adults should consider to maintain their health.

APRIL 23, 2026|ByMAARIV ONLINE

Hostages without vaccinations at risk due to infections in Gaza Strip

Recent reports from the WHO and UNICEF reveal that poor hygiene conditions have led to outbreaks of additional infectious diseases beyond polio in the Gaza Strip.

AUGUST 30, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

Inside view of a tunnel infrastructure, including a makeshift kitchen and a cage, in Gaza

Gaza virus outbreak: Understanding the threat of Type 2 Polio

A recent detection of type 2 polio in a Gaza infant marks the first case in 25 years, sparking concern over a potential outbreak.

AUGUST 26, 2024BySIMCHA PASKO/THE MEDIA LINE

A Palestinian boy receives polio vaccine at a hospital in Khan Younis in the southern of Gaza Strip February 23, 2014.

This week in Jewish history: Polio vaccine, Hebron massacre, Zionists

A highly abridged version of the daily Dust & Stars.

AUGUST 25, 2024BySTEVEN DRUCKER

Synagogue desecrated in Hebron

Vaccines prevent 500 million diseases, 1 million deaths, new report finds

The study also found that vaccines have saved the US healthcare system billions of dollars.

AUGUST 11, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

Pediatric intensive care. The vaccines reduced hospitalizations and morbidity

WHO sends over 1 million polio vaccines to Gaza to protect children

Cases of polio have declined by 99% worldwide since 1988 thanks to mass vaccination campaigns and efforts continue to eradicate it completely.

JULY 26, 2024ByREUTERS

Palestinian children react near the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip earlier this year..

IDF begins vaccinating soldiers in Gaza against polio

The Technological and Logistics Directorate began a broad vaccination operation for all the regular and reserve maneuvering forces.

JULY 21, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

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

Combating disease outbreaks in Israel: The vaccines your children need

What do the vaccines protect against, when are they administered, and how long does the immunity last?

JULY 1, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

The vaccine is given as part of the routine immunization schedule in a combination shot, and it provides protection for about ten years. (Illustrative).

Ichilov Hospital launches West Nile virus clinical trial amid rising concerns

Ichilov Hospital starts clinical trial for Interferon against West Nile virus. Dr. Alrai-Price addresses spread of disease, urging people to "Avoid places with mosquitos in residential areas."

JUNE 25, 2024ByAVIHAI CHIIM

An Aedes aegypti mosquito is kept in a container in Buenos Aires, Argentina March 13, 2024.

Is an AIDS vaccine on the way?

GSK has completed its first stages of clinical research on an injection that could replace the daily pill currently being used to prevent HIV infection and to treat HIV positive carriers.

MARCH 10, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

A Prp shot

WHO reports largest drop in child vaccination in around three decades

Pioneering research reveals how empathetic communication can help overcome hesitation to roll up their sleeves to protect health.

MARCH 5, 2024ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH