People at high risk of flu complications, including the elderly and young children, should be prioritized for flu shots in the face of the double threat of coronavirus infections and influenza this winter, a government panel agreed Wednesday.

More people than usual are expected to seek flu vaccinations before the influenza season starts as it is difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of flu and COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Vaccinations are scheduled to start Oct. 1.

In principle, people aged 65 or older who hope to receive flu shots will be advised to do so from early October, while medical workers, people with pre-existing health conditions, pregnant women and young children will be able to get vaccinated from late October, according to the government policy.