Children aged between six months and five years will be eligible for free flu shots from May, under a plan to fight the illness launched on Sunday by the Victorian government.

Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the plan, which will cost $3.5 million, meant children, people over 65 and a small group of others would be eligible for free flu shots.

Shots can cost anywhere between $10 and $40 if not done at a health service offering them free.

Ms Hennessy and Premier Daniel Andrews were at the Royal Children’s Hospital on Sunday, also announcing extra funding for more beds and staff during this year’s flu season.