The vaccine for type C meningococcal, which now costs about $70, will be provided free next year in a federal government meningococcal disease vaccination program for all Australian children aged 12 months to 15 years.

Sixteen- and 17-year-olds will also get access to free vaccines in the program's first year to ensure that the greatest number of people in high-risk age groups for meningococcal get access to vaccines.

Ms Kelly said the national meningococcal disease program ensured that free vaccines would be made available to the key age groups who were at most at risk of contracting the C type of meningococcal.

"The Howard government is spending $41m on the meningococcal disease program," she said.