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

Climbing a ladder to old age: Take care of your health step by step

The rungs of the ladder represent special measures to carry out in one’s 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and beyond until 120.

OCTOBER 25, 2025ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH

An illustrative image of a person on a ladder.

Did you get a flu shot? Three mistakes that weaken it

The Ministry of Health recommends getting a flu vaccine, preferably right now – but it turns out there are several things that can reduce the vaccine’s effectiveness, and they depend entirely on you.

OCTOBER 19, 2025ByWALLA! HEALTH

Flu shot

Battling conspiracies of a Western anti-fertility plot, Pakistan vaccinates girls against HPV

“I have heard that the vaccination is being used to make women infertile and reduce the population of Muslims,” Ali Sheikh, a mother of two in Karachi, told AP.

OCTOBER 18, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

An illustrative image of the HPV vaccine.

Over 1,700 cases of measles diagnosed in Israel

The areas currently defined as outbreak zones are Jerusalem, Beit Shemesh, Bnei Brak, Harish, Modi’in Illit, Nof Hagalil, Kiryat Gat, Ashdod, and Safed.

OCTOBER 5, 2025ByAVIHAI CHIIM

Cases of the measles rise in Israel.

Tune into today's top stories: Polar bears take arctic base, Trump's Gaza peace push - September 29

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise.

SEPTEMBER 29, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS

A polar bear looks on at the abandoned Soviet-era research station on Kolyuchin Island in the Chukchi Sea, in Russia's far northeast, September 14, 2025, in this still image taken from a drone video.

Measles outbreak in Israel kills three children in past week alone

Six children in total have died since the outbreak began, with the Health Ministry pushing a vaccination campaign to contain the disease.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2025ByDR. ITAY GAL

Cases of the measles rise in Israel.

US health secretary Kennedy considers adding autism symptoms to vaccine injury program - report

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program shields vaccine manufacturers from most lawsuits and provides a fund to compensate individuals who experience serious reactions to covered vaccines.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025ByREUTERS

US HEALTH and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Historic step: A new mandatory vaccine for your babies – how safe is it?

The RSV virus causes many hospitalizations among infants in the winter. Now, for the first time in Israel, a new vaccine has been added to the health basket.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2025ByPROF. MALENA COHEN-CYMBERKNOH

The RSV virus causes many hospitalizations among infants in the winter

Polio virus detected in Jerusalem, central Israel wastewater, Health Ministry confirms

The polio virus was detected in wastewater samples from Bnei Brak, Ramle, Lod, and the Shafdan treatment facility, following earlier findings in the Jerusalem area.

AUGUST 7, 2025ByTPS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Polio virus ilustration.

Grapevine: Miss Jerusalem of vision

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

AUGUST 2, 2025ByGREER FAY CASHMAN

Melanie Shiraz is crowned at Miss Universe Israel 2025.