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.
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.
Indonesia teams up with Bill Gates for pivotal TB vaccine trials
Surprising find: Same-arm vaccine shots enhance immunity
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.
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.
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.
Israeli teen diagnosed with polio, Health Ministry investigates
“The primary way to protect children from paralysis is through the inactivated polio vaccine,” the Health Ministry stated.
Learning to count our blessings despite war, COVID, hurricanes, and more - opinion
Israel and the world both seem to be in a terrible mess at the moment. Wars, famine, droughts, hurricanes, massacres. Count our blessings? What blessings?
Trump repeats warning to Hamas to release hostages soon or face consequences
Trump said he would discuss ways to bring an end to the Ukraine war with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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.
This week in Jewish history: Blood libels are not new
A highly abridged weekly version of the daily Dust & Stars.
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.
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.
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.
