Tokyo, April 14 (Jiji Press)–The Japanese government will not prioritize Imperial Family members for vaccination against the novel coronavirus, an official said Wednesday.

“We will follow the government’s policy on the order of vaccinations and make preparations so that it (the vaccination) can be carried out in accordance with the wishes of each individual,” Kenji Ikeda, deputy head of the Imperial Household Agency, said at a meeting of the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee.

Ikeda refrained from making it clear whether the agency will announce that Imperial Family members have been vaccinated. “We are currently considering (the issue),” he said.

In Japan, coronavirus vaccinations started this week for people aged 65 or older, following a priority inoculation program for medical workers that began earlier this year.