Ministry warns of new round of A/H1N1 influenza outbreak in China

China's Ministry of Health has called on the country to step up its fight against the A/H1N1 flu, as it continues to spread globally. Experts, are warning that the flu has entered a new phase, which is marked by an acceleration in the number of new infections. The Ministry is also warning, that the outbreak could last until next March.

As of Saturday, more than 46 thousand confirmed A/H1N1 flu cases have been reported on the Chinese mainland. 75 percent have recovered. Among the 93 serious cases, 55 are still in hospital. 6 have died from the disease.

The Health Ministry says the A/H1N1 flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent infections. Cases show that domestically manufactured vaccines have proven to be effective. Vaccinations are being administered on a voluntary basis, and is free-of-charge.

More than 3 and a half million people in China have been inoculated with the A/H1N1 flu vaccine as of Saturday, with no reports of serious side effects.

According to the ministry's calculations on production capacities, eight domestic vaccine manufacturers are expected to produce 100 million doses by the first quarter of next year.

Health officials say soldiers from the People's Liberation Army and armed police forces will be among many targeted groups. Others include police, medical staff, teachers, students, public service workers, and patients suffering from chronic diseases.

Children under the age of three and pregnant women are not included in the targeted groups due to a lack of clinical data.