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.

Scientists race to develop Ebola vaccine amid DRC outbreak

Researchers aim to stop the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in northeastern DRC by fast-tracking a vaccine using a proven viral-vector platform.

JUNE 4, 2026|ByREUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Red Cross workers prepare to lower the coffin of Dr Tibenderana Katho Blaise who worked at the Centre Medical Evangelique (CME) in Hoho commune and died of Ebola virus, at the Nyamurongo cemetery in Bunia town, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, May 26, 2026.

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.

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

"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

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

More than half the world faces high measles risk, WHO says

Cases last year were already up 79% to over 300,000, according to WHO data, - thought to represent just a fraction of the total.

FEBRUARY 20, 2024ByREUTERS

A CHILD with measles.

Putin says Russia is close to creating cancer vaccines

Putin did not specify which types of cancer the proposed vaccines would target nor how.

FEBRUARY 14, 2024ByREUTERS

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a speech on the occasion of the New Year, 31.12.2023

World's first: Patients treated with new cancer vaccine

COVID-19 vaccines inspired UK doctors to use mRNA for precise, less toxic cancer treatment. The results seem promising for all types of cancer.

FEBRUARY 6, 2024ByDORON KOOPERSTEIN

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

Breakthrough CMV vaccine offers hope to pregnant women

The vaccine, known as mRNA-1647, utilizes the same technology as Moderna's COVID-19 vaccines.

FEBRUARY 4, 2024ByDR. ITAI GAL

A pregnant woman gets vaccinated (illustrative).

JN.1: What is the new COVID variant in Israel? - explainer

Israel has detected a new variant of COVID-19 known as JN.1, which has already affected around 200 people in the country. What should you know about it?

JANUARY 16, 2024ByDR. ITAY GAL

A 3D rendering of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Hundreds of Israelis contract new COVID sub-variant JN.1

The Health Ministry confirmed the report, adding that Israel has seen a small rise in morbidity rates...around 200 cases of the sub-variant were recorded in Israel."

JANUARY 1, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Novel Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

How do you protect yourself from winter illnesses?

Israeli professor shares insights on the prevalence of winter illnesses and emphasizes the importance of vaccinations and preventive measures.

DECEMBER 17, 2023BySTAV NAMER

Flu and cold season is here. Prepared accordingly

Could getting a flu shot reduce your chances of having a heart attack? New study

Meta-analysis shows flu vaccine lowers heart attack risk by 26% and reduces cardiovascular disease mortality by 33%.

DECEMBER 11, 2023ByDORON KOOPERSTEIN/WALLA!

A vaccination being administered

Seeing is believing: How observing sickness triggers biological defense mechanisms - study

This raises questions about the interconnectedness of people within a social group and how the perception of sickness can influence the health and behavior of others.

NOVEMBER 28, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

You don't want to end up sick on your next vacation (illustrative)