Aafia Malik v. HHS - Meningococcal, septic arthritis (2025)

On May 5, 2025, Aafia Malik filed a petition alleging that a meningococcal B vaccine administered on July 6, 2024 caused septic arthritis. She alleged that the vaccine was administered in the United States, that the residual effects lasted more than six months, and that she had not received another award or settlement for the injury.

Respondent filed a Rule 4(c) report conceding entitlement. Unlike the routine SIRVA concessions in the Special Processing Unit, this concession was for an off-Table injury: respondent concluded that Ms.

Malik's septic arthritis was caused in fact by the MenB vaccine and that she had satisfied all legal prerequisites for compensation. The public ruling does not describe the joint involved, first symptoms, cultures, imaging, hospitalization, treatment, or medical reasoning behind the concession.

Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran found Ms.

Malik entitled to compensation on November 14, 2025. Damages remain pending.

Ms. Malik was represented by Julia Wernett McInerny of mctlaw.