SEMPHN contributed to the SAFESIG-GP research project through the PHN POLAR GP program, which enables participating practices in the SEMPHN catchment to contribute de-identified general practice data to approved research relevant to primary care.

The research was conducted in collaboration with SAFEVIC, Victoria’s immunisation safety service, in response to consumer concerns and a possible signal identified by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

GCA is a serious autoimmune condition characterised by inflammation of medium and large-sized arteries, primarily affecting adults over 50. It commonly causes head pain, jaw claudication, and vision changes, requiring immediate, high-dose steroid treatment to prevent permanent blindness or stroke. 

The investigation used multiple Australian data sources, including spontaneous reports, the general practice dataset collected via the POLAR platform, and hospital records from the Vaccine Safety Health Link.

The findings support GPs and other clinicians to confidently discuss COVID-19 vaccination with patients, particularly those who may have concerns about giant cell arteritis.

Read the published research article here - Giant Cell Arteritis Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Consumer-Stimulated Analysis