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.

Oxford begins first human trial of Bundibugyo Ebola vaccine, Germany treats infected US citizen

Recruitment for the vaccination trial has begun, with vaccinations expected to start in the coming weeks • US citizen becomes second to be treated in German hospital • Total DRC cases rise to 1,926

JULY 13, 2026|ByREUTERS

Employees work during a visit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Democratic Republic of the Congo President Felix Tshisekedi at the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, July 2, 2026.

Flu shot

FDA approves world's first mRNA-based flu vaccine, signaling start of a new illness-prevention era

The vaccine, intended for people 50 and older, is based on mRNA technology and was found in an advanced trial to be more effective than a standard flu shot.

JUNE 22, 2026|ByDR. ITAY GAL

Jackals

What to do after a jackal bite and when is there a concern about rabies?

After 11 people were bitten and scratched in the Sea of Galilee area, the fear of rabies returns to the forefront. This is what must be done immediately after contact with a suspected animal.

JUNE 16, 2026|ByDR. ITAY GAL

An emergency room for babies has opened at the Safra Children's Hospital at Sheba

Health experts urge vaccination after two children die from meningococcemia

Meningococcus is a relatively rare but especially aggressive disease. The risk for the disease is especially high in infants, toddlers, adolescents, and young adults living in crowded conditions.

JUNE 13, 2026|ByDR. ITAY GAL

Israel stops vaccinating against oral polio, for fear of resistant strains developing

The decision to stop the oral vaccine is in accordance with World Health Organization policy.

OCTOBER 4, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

Oral polio vaccine.

Polio vaccination starts in north Gaza despite obstacles

The campaign in north Gaza aims to conclude a first vaccination round, with a second set to commence after a month.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2024ByREUTERS

Trucks containing vials of polio vaccine cross into the Gaza Strip. August 25, 2024.

Vaccine pauses are not a political matter amid Gaza’s polio outbreak - opinion

Vaccine pauses in Gaza’s polio crisis aren’t political—they're vital for public health.

SEPTEMBER 8, 2024ByORA PALTIEL, NADAV DAVIDOVITCH, RONIT CALDERON MARGALIT

A PALESTINIAN CHILD is vaccinated against polio, amid the Israel-Hamas war, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip last week.

What does Jewish law say about medical experimentation? - explainer

Generally, Halacha permits only medical interventions whose efficacy has been proven. Yet even with tested treatments, one cannot be sure that the intervention will succeed.

SEPTEMBER 6, 2024BySHLOMO M. BRODY

A woman is seen preparing a dose of the COVID vaccine.

Gaza polio vaccine campaign begins, Netanyahu's office says no ceasefire will occur

The PMO stressed that Israel is committed to preventing an outbreak of the disease in the Gaza strip, as well as in the entire region.

AUGUST 31, 2024ByMAARIV

A Palestinian child is vaccinated against polio, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, August 31, 2024.

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..