Mauritius has started using the Indian-made Covaxin vaccine after running out of its 100,000 doses of Oxford-Astrazeneca vaccine.

The Covaxin vaccine, produced by India's Bharat Biotech company, has not been approved by the World Health Organization (WHO).

But a Mauritian top official defended its use saying India had formally approved its emergency use.

"It is a safe vaccine. Covaxin has demonstrated 81% interim efficacy in preventing Covid-19," said Dr Zouberr Joomaye, a senior adviser to the Mauritius prime minister.

Opposition Labour MP Shakeel Mohamed raised concerns about the government's vaccination campaign.

“Why AstraZeneca for the prime minister and Covaxin for others?” he asked.