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

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.

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.