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. 

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Vaccine pauses are not a political matter amid Gaza’s polio outbreak

Vaccine pauses in Gaza’s polio crisis aren’t political—they're vital for public health.

By ORA PALTIEL , NADAV DAVIDOVITCH , RONIT CALDERON MARGALIT
08/09/2024
  A woman is seen preparing a dose of the COVID vaccine.

What does Jewish law say about medical experimentation?

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.

By SHLOMO M. BRODY
06/09/2024

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.

By MAARIV
31/08/2024
  Inside view of a tunnel infrastructure, including a makeshift kitchen and a cage, in Gaza

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.

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.

By SIMCHA PASKO/THE MEDIA LINE
26/08/2024
Synagogue desecrated in Hebron

This week in Jewish history: Polio vaccine, Hebron massacre, Zionists

A highly abridged version of the daily Dust & Stars.

By STEVEN DRUCKER
25/08/2024

Vaccines prevent 500 million diseases, 1 million deaths, new report finds

The study also found that vaccines have saved the US healthcare system billions of dollars.

WHO sends over 1 million polio vaccines to Gaza to protect children

Cases of polio have declined by 99% worldwide since 1988 thanks to mass vaccination campaigns and efforts continue to eradicate it completely.

By REUTERS
26/07/2024

IDF begins vaccinating soldiers in Gaza against polio

The Technological and Logistics Directorate began a broad vaccination operation for all the regular and reserve maneuvering forces.

Combating disease outbreaks in Israel: The vaccines your children need

What do the vaccines protect against, when are they administered, and how long does the immunity last?

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