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

‘Tired’ of getting vaccinated, Israelis are reluctant to get flu shots

Israelis are apparently 'tired' of shots after having to get so many COVID-19 shots and are not sufficiently aware of the risks of not being protected.

NOVEMBER 27, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

Vaccination against the flu

New, temperature-controlled needle can prevent injuries, disease - report

An intravenous needle that irreversibly softens via body temperature on insertion can prevent unintended, infectious needlestick injuries and risky reuse.

NOVEMBER 16, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

Person holding needle 311

More measles cases diagnosed in Tel Aviv

If symptoms of fever and headache appear followed a few days later by a rash, you should contact your doctor.

OCTOBER 26, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

Measles virus cells concept as microscopic infectious disease inside a human body (illustration)

Health Ministry invited public to get new Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

The newly adapted vaccine called mRNA-1273.214 showed much more protection against infection with all variants tested.

OCTOBER 10, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

Vials containing the corona vaccine and a syringe are displayed in front of an Israeli flag.

Jordan takes swift action against false vaccine claims amid parental confusion

Misleading messages circulating on social media lead to skepticism and confusion among parents about the safety of the MRNA vaccine in Jordan.

OCTOBER 5, 2023ByDAOUD KUTTAB/THE MEDIA LINE

A syringe is filled with a dose of Pfizer's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine at a pop-up community vaccination center in Valley Stream, New York

Facebook’s design makes it unable to control vaccine misinformation

The world’s largest social media platform failed to eliminate falsehoods during the Covid-19 pandemic.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

US begins human trials of a 'universal' flu vaccine

The tested vaccine is expected to protect against four strains of influenza A and two of influenza B.

SEPTEMBER 15, 2023ByREUTERS

An older woman receives a vaccine (illustrative)

Israelis tired of rolling up sleeves are rejecting new needed COVID-19, Flu vaccines

With a new Covid variant and Jewish High Holidays around the corner, Israelis are being reminded to head for their annual vaccinations.

SEPTEMBER 7, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

Woman gets vaccinated.

Are mask mandates making a return? The new variant has public health institutions worried

BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who were previously infected with COVID-19 or received the COVID-19 vaccine.

AUGUST 26, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Face masks fly off, but is the COVID-19 pandemic really over? (Illustrative)

Study reveals links between vaccination and Alzheimer's

The study highlighted the importance of vaccinations for protecting against infectious diseases and dementia.

AUGUST 19, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

An older woman receives a vaccine (illustrative)