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.

US health secretary Kennedy launches new push on vaccine injuries

The initiative is the latest step by Kennedy, who spent years questioning vaccine safety and founded an anti-vaccine group before taking office, to reshape federal immunization policy.

OCTOBER 9, 2026|ByREUTERS

US Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during an event on screen time harm in children at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC, US, September 1, 2026.

Measles infection (illustrative)

New York declares first US measles disaster emergency since 2025 surge

The state expanded the pool of health professionals allowed to administer measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines as cases rise in rural communities.

OCTOBER 6, 2026|ByREUTERS

In a large European study, it was found that administering the protection reduced the risk of hospitalization due to RSV by about 83%.

The vaccine that reduced the risk of infant hospitalization by 83%

Some 130,000 infants in Israel have already received protection against RSV, and in Europe, an 83% decrease in the risk of hospitalization was measured. What should parents know before the winter?

SEPTEMBER 30, 2026|ByPROF. DOV ALBUKREK

Heidi Overton, President Trump's nominee to be the next commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, listens as US President Donald Trump speaks during a healthcare affordability event in the Oval Office.

Senate panel questions Trump FDA nominee Heidi Overton on vaccines, abortion pill, agency morale

The agency, responsible for regulating and approving all drugs, treatments, and vaccines, has faced concerns that it has become too political.

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026|ByREUTERS

A new Israeli clinical trial is testing a tuberculosis vaccine to prevent Alzheimer's - opinion

If – God forbid – I show the biomarkers associated with the probable development of Alzheimer’s, I will receive three doses of the vaccine, which has minimal side effects.

NOVEMBER 18, 2024ByBARBARA SOFER

REAL BRAIN exhibit at Bristol Science Centre, UK.

This week in Jewish history: Blood libels are not new

A highly abridged weekly version of the daily Dust & Stars.

OCTOBER 27, 2024BySTEVEN DRUCKER

The Simon of Trent blood libel: Illustration in Hartmann Schedel’s Weltchronik, 1493

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