Vaccines help protect people from diseases. They contain "weakened" or "dead" germs, such as viruses or bacteria, which stimulate the body's immune system in a manner that can prevent us from getting sick with harmful pathogens. Here's the latest science news on vaccines.Vaccines
Latest about vaccines
'Vaccine rejection is as old as vaccines themselves': Science historian Thomas Levenson on the history of germ theory and its deniers
Interview Live Science spoke with author Thomas Levenson about his new book on the history of germ theory.
Nearly 3 million extra deaths by 2030 could result from HIV funding cuts, study suggests
A modeling study looked at how anticipated cuts to international HIV funding would affect the rate of new cases and HIV-related deaths in low- and middle-income countries.
What are mRNA vaccines, and how do they work?
mRNA vaccines train the immune system in a similar way to traditional vaccines, but they use a different strategy to get there.
When will the US measles outbreak end?
A public health official in Texas recently warned that the state's ongoing measles outbreak could last a year. Why are cases expected to keep rising?
What are cancer vaccines?
Cancer vaccines harness the power of the immune system to stop tumors in their tracks. They work a little differently than regular vaccines intended to prevent infectious diseases, like measles or the flu.
Who should get the new RSV vaccines? Here's everything you need to know
There are now RSV vaccines approved for older adults and for pregnant people, and antibody shots (not vaccines) available for babies. What's the difference?
CDC issues new guidelines for RSV vaccines, citing side-effect concerns
The CDC has clarified and narrowed its recommendations for which older adults should get an RSV vaccine.
How worried should we be about PFAS, the 'forever chemicals'?
Recent studies suggest PFAS can pass through human skin and through the placenta. What does that mean for our health?
