Parents are being asked to vaccinate their children against the flu this winter.  

Appointments for a nasal spray vaccine for children aged between two and 17 can be found through the HSE's website.

The health service said the number of flu cases are rising this month, with 631 reported during the second week of December, compared to 283 the previous week.

Public Health Medicine Consultant Dr Aparna Keegan said children will not feel any pain from the vaccine. 

“The best thing about the flu vaccine… for children… is that it’s a nasal vaccine,” she said. 

“Meaning that it’s a quick squirt of the nose and you’re in and out within a few minutes. 

“It’s pain free. My children had the flu vaccine and they said, ‘Mummy, it just tickles.’ 

“So, it’s a really good experience for the child and it offers them the best protection against flu this winter.” 

The vaccine is available free for all children.

Main image: A child receives a dose of the flu vaccine nasal spray.