Call for submissions

Submission deadline: Thursday 30 April at 23:59 (ET)

The Conference Organizing Committee is now accepting submissions for presentation at CIC 2026. Submissions may be in the form of an oral or poster presentation, or a 90-minute symposium or workshop. 

We encourage submissions that feature current immunization and vaccinology research, evidence-based and ethical policy recommendations, and practice measures to help us better control preventable diseases and improve public confidence in vaccines.

Submissions can be uploaded in English or French and will be peer-reviewed according to the language of the abstract. Simultaneous interpretation will not be provided and French submitters must be comfortable presenting in English.

Submissions must apply to one of the following learning streams: 

• Informing and implementing policy
• New developments in vaccines and their use
• Optimal practice
• Vaccination in specific populations
• Vaccine confidence and uptake

Conflict of Interest
The Canadian Public Health Association supports the Canadian Medical Association's Policy on Guidelines for Physicians in Interactions with Industry. A conflict of interest may exist if a presenter is affiliated with, or has financial interest in a commercial organization that may have a direct or indirect interest in the subject matter of his/her topic presentation. This policy is not intended to prevent a presentation and the information you disclose will not influence the review of your abstract.

Abstract Submissions

Given the very high quality of abstracts that we receive, submissions will be scheduled in the most appropriate format (oral or poster presentation) for the program. The goal is to create a concise but comprehensive oral program while featuring the posters in a complementary and interactive format.

Each individual may submit a maximum of two abstracts as Presenting Author. Abstracts presented at a previous conference can be submitted. During the submission process you will be prompted to indicate where the abstract was previously presented and if new data will be presented at the conference. 

Oral Presentations

Accepted presentations will be grouped into 90-minute sessions that share a common topic or complimentary theme. Each presentation is 10 minutes followed by a 5-minute discussion period facilitated by a moderator. Presenters may use slides to accompany the presentation. 

Poster Presentations

Presenters will engage with participants during two dedicated poster presentation sessions on Tuesday 17 November and Wednesday 18 November from 14:00 - 15:00. Our aim is to promote the importance of posters as an opportunity to transfer knowledge in an interactive format. 

90-minute Session Submissions

We are accepting applications for 90-minute sessions that facilitate the exchange and dissemination of immunization research excellence, advances in surveillance, programs and practice and the latest in policy innovations related to a specific conference stream.  

We encourage diversity in the organizing team and speakers. This includes diversity of viewpoint and thinking regarding the topics discussed at the symposium or workshop, gender, race, affiliations, seniority, geographic location, etc.

Industry-led applications are not accepted. Applications may include one (1) speaker from industry as long as that person is not the session chair or moderator.

As the conference will be seeking accreditation by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), all symposiums and workshops must include three learning objectives that meet their guidelines. Learning objectives should be concise, specific and identify the outcomes or actions that participants can expect to demonstrate as a result of attending the session.

SYMPOSIUMS

Symposium speakers should offer a coordinated exchange on a common topic or complimentary theme and we recommend a maximum of three speakers plus a moderator. Sessions are 90-minutes and total presentation time should not exceed 60-65 minutes. For the remaining time, speakers should take part in a moderated Q&A. 

WORKSHOPS

Sessions are 90-minutes and facilitators should be experienced in leading sessions and encouraging participants to contribute to the discussion. Workshop proposals must include elements to generate lively interactions among participants and facilitators.

Submission Templates

All submissions must use one of the MS Word templates below. Other file types are not accepted. Do not alter or add sections to the templates.

Submission Guidelines

Submissions must meet the following criteria to be eligible for peer review: 

• Submissions must be uploaded using the online portal. E-mail submissions are not accepted.   
• All submissions must use the appropriate Word template.
  • Abstract submissions must not exceed 300 words. The word count does not include the title, section headings, or tables.
  • Up to two figures/tables can be included in the template.
  • Symposium and Workshop symposiums must not exceed two (2) pages. 
• Presenting Authors may submit a maximum of two abstracts and data presented at other conferences may be submitted.
• The submitting author certifies that all co-authors and/or co-presenters agree to the submission.
• Data, other research, and sessions presented at other conferences may be submitted. 

Submission deadline: Thursday 30 April at 23:59 (ET)

Submit your proposal

Submission Acceptance

• Each submission is reviewed and scored by at least two independent peer reviewers and final decisions regarding acceptance will be made by the Organizing Committee.
• Submitters will be notified of the selection by Thursday 25 June.
• An LCD data projector, microphone, computer (PC), screen and an audio-video connection are included as part of the standard audio visual package in each session room. 
• All speakers who present must be registered for at least one day of the conference by Thursday 29 October in order to be included in the program. 
• No financial assistance is available for registration, travel, or accommodation fees.