China's health ministry on Wednesday urged vulnerable groups to get swine flu vaccinations or avoid travel and stay clear from crowed places during the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year holiday due to the spread of the A(H1N1) virus.

Tens of millions of people are speculated to board trains, planes and buses to their hometowns and villages for annual family reunions during the upcoming Lunar New Year travel period, when China celebrates its new year.

The Chinese mainland registered 51 deaths from the A/H1N1 influenza in the week from Jan. 4 to Jan. 10, with 2,173 new cases confirmed, taking the total number to 120,940 in 2009.

The main request was made to most vulnerable groups including pregnant women, children, the elderly, obese people and those with chronic diseases.

The health ministry also advised to inculcate preventive measures as wearing face masks, frequently washing hands and getting early medical checkups for coughs and other flu symptoms.