To the Editor:

Regarding the article on the Feb. 2 front page, "Clinton views free vaccine distribution":

This Associated Press article gives the impression that President Clinton has suddenly decided to give immunizations for free. The Cape County Health Department and Clinic, and all other county health units, have been doing this for years. The Associated Press should have investigated by asking and pediatrician or family doctor, all of whom are familiar with this fact.

Federal meddling, and legislation setting up the "no-fault liability system," plus the federal excise tax on DPT vaccine has driven up the cost. So now the feds are going to buy the vaccines at an inflated price, driven up by their own manipulation ....

Dr. Jim Kinder

Cape Girardeau