Vic Libs promise free flu shots for kids

Victoria's opposition plans to spend $7 million over four years for free flu vaccinations for young children if it wins the next state election.

The Liberal Nationals on Friday promised to make flu jabs free for all children between the age of six months and five years if they win government at the poll expected in November 2018.

"This is a vulnerable age and we think that it's important we send a clear message that they should be free so no one's inhibited from getting a flu vaccination," health spokeswoman Mary Wooldridge told reporters.

The program would cost $7 million over four years and was expected to lift Victoria's child immunisation rates to about 180,000 a year, she said.

The jab costs about $11 and is already free for some children, including those with serious illnesses, Ms Wooldridge says.

The announcement comes after the Andrews government called on Canberra to expand the national immunisation program to make the vaccination free for young children.