JI welcomes proposals for special issues that highlight emerging priorities in immunization research and practice. Special issues bring focused attention to fast moving topics and support collaborative research communities.

A strong proposal defines a clear theme, explains its relevance to current immunization challenges, and demonstrates the value of assembling a focused collection.

Proposals should outline the thematic focus, editorial leadership, and anticipated contribution to immunization science. A concise description of the target audience and submission timeline helps the editorial office assess feasibility.

• Working title and thematic focus
• Rationale and relevance to immunization priorities
• Proposed guest editors and affiliations
• Target audience and expected contribution
• Preliminary list of potential contributors
• Timeline for submissions and reviews

Special issues should address a coherent set of questions or program needs, such as emerging vaccine platforms, safety monitoring, or delivery innovations. We encourage proposals that bridge laboratory findings with public health implementation.

Clear objectives help authors align submissions and enable guest editors to maintain consistent standards throughout the issue.

• Define scope and thematic boundaries
• Recommend reviewers and manage peer review
• Ensure ethical compliance and reporting quality
• Provide an editorial summary upon completion

Guest editors should outline the expected mix of article types, such as original research, reviews, and implementation studies. This balance ensures that readers receive both foundational evidence and practical program insights.

Consider including an overview editorial that synthesizes key findings and identifies future research priorities.

The JI editorial office supports special issue planning, reviewer coordination, and production workflows. Send proposals or questions to [email protected].

• Immunization strategies for emerging pathogens
• Vaccine safety surveillance and pharmacovigilance
• Equity focused delivery and community engagement
• Maternal and pediatric immunization programs
• mRNA platforms and next generation vaccines
• Health systems and supply chain resilience

Special issues receive focused promotion within the journal ecosystem and are highlighted for their program relevance. Open access distribution helps findings reach practitioners, policymakers, and global immunization partners.

Define submission windows, review milestones, and publication targets early so contributors can plan effectively. Clear timelines help maintain issue cohesion and support timely dissemination of immunization evidence.

Guest editors should confirm reviewer availability before launching the call.

This planning prevents overlap with major conference schedules.

Consider how the issue will reach program managers, clinicians, and policymakers. Clear messaging and concise thematic framing help maximize impact beyond the academic audience.

Guest editors may propose webinars or summaries to expand reach.

Brief highlight summaries help guide busy program leaders.

Targeted outreach can increase practitioner participation.

JI is committed to rigorous, transparent publishing in immunization research and program evaluation. We emphasize reproducible methods, clear reporting of vaccine outcomes, and ethical compliance across all article types.

The editorial office supports authors, editors, and reviewers with clear guidance and responsive communication. For questions about scope or workflow, contact [email protected].

We encourage continuous improvement in reporting practices and share updates that help the community maintain high standards in vaccine science, safety monitoring, and public health impact.