Caracas, April 25 (PL-RHC) -- Investment in vaccination programs in Venezuela by the government, exceeded 340 billion bolivars ( 53 billion 900 million dollars) in the last 15 years, said the Ministry of Health.

Marisol Escalona, head of the National Immunization agency said they rely on 12 biological products which protect the general population against 15 diseases.

They include anti-influenza vaccines, anti-rotavirus, Oral polio, pneumococcal , meningococcal, diphtheria and tetanus vaccines, she said.

In addition, she announced that this year the department of Health will introduce the vaccine 'Pneumococcal 13 – Valente' into the National Immunization Scheme.

The official reminded that the National Immunization Monitoring Measles / Rubella and Polio, which is free of charge, will begin on April 27th throughout the country, and will run until May 25th.

This initiative is linked with Vaccination Week in the Americas, which was set up the Governing Board of the Pan American Health Organization.