If lots are separated, how can it be quickly determined when there is a problematic “hot lot” so that an immediate warning and recall can be issued? A “hot lot” refers to a lot that is causing more adverse events and deaths than usual. Answer: With lots separated, hot lots can’t be quickly identified and recalled, and that is done on purpose. In the late 1970s, vaccine maker Wyeth appears to have developed a plan to evade hot-lot accusations. Why? Because in 1979, 11 babies died within 8 days of a DPT shot. Nine of them had been vaccinated with the same lot of pertussis vaccine, Wyeth #64201. Five died within 24 hours, 4 from the same lot. The following is from a Wyeth Internal Correspondence dated 8-27-79: “After the reporting of SIDS cases in TN, we discussed the merits of limiting distribution of a large number of vials from a single lot to a single state, county, or city health department and obtained agreement from senior management staff to proceed with such a plan.” I have a friend and colleague who for years worked in the pharmacy at a hospital. She confirmed that the only drug that is shipped in separated lots is vaccines. That is unconscionable, not to mention highly dangerous.
