How do we separate misinformation from meaningful public health signals, and what happens when digital intelligence is combined with clinical evidence?

In this episode of Cognitio, we explore how online sentiment, AI-powered surveillance and real-world healthcare data can work together to identify, investigate and validate emerging vaccine safety concerns.

Dr Gerardo Luis Dimaguila, Informatics Lead at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Data Innovation Lead at the Centre for Health Analytics, introduces VaxPulse, a digital surveillance learning health system developed since 2021. Using AI, social listening and advanced analytics, VaxPulse monitors vaccine-related concerns and misinformation across online platforms, helping public health professionals detect early warning signs and better understand the information environment shaping vaccine confidence.

Aishwarya Shetty, epidemiologist and vaccine safety specialist at the Centre for Health Analytics, then demonstrates how these digital insights can be translated into rigorous epidemiological investigation. Using VaxPulse data identifying menstrual health concerns following COVID-19 vaccination, Aishwarya presents how large-scale GP syndromic surveillance and broader safety datasets were used to validate public concerns, assess risk and strengthen evidence-based communication.

Together, this episode explores:
• How AI and digital surveillance are reshaping pharmacovigilance
• The growing role of social media as an early signal detection tool
• How misinformation and genuine public concerns can be distinguished
• The integration of digital signals with GP and clinical datasets
• Why transparent, evidence-led communication is critical to vaccine trust

This episode is essential listening for professionals in pharmacovigilance, vaccine safety, epidemiology, regulatory affairs, public health and digital health innovation.

Cognitio is ARCS Australia’s platform for thought leadership, professional development and sector-wide dialogue across the life sciences ecosystem.

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