Sarkozy, 66, gets Covid vaccine early for health reasons

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy has criticised the Covid-19 vaccine rollout in France despite receiving a first dose himself in January because of undisclosed medical reasons.

Mr Sarkozy, 66, was given the injection at the Percy military hospital, in Clamart, last month - when public vaccinations were reserved for people over the age of 75 and those with conditions that put them into a high-risk category - after getting a prescription from a GP.

The government refused to comment on the matter. "The same goes for Nicolas Sarkozy as for any Frenchman, he has the right to medical confidentiality. No comment," Minister of Health, Olivier Véran said when asked how the former president had been able to get an early vaccination, despite not falling into the priority categories of those aged over 75 or caregivers over 50.

Despite getting a dose of the vaccine, Mr Sarkozy remains unimpressed at the widely criticised speed of the inoculation campaign in France and the availability of vaccines, L'Express reported.

"The Sputnik vaccine, when is it going to put it on the market? We must sign this afternoon!" he reportedly said in private, according to the newspaper.

Related stories 

Covid France: When will 65-74 year-olds be vaccinated?

Will new one-dose Covid vaccine speed up France rollout?

Will France really be able to vaccinate everyone by summer?