Baxter says EU clears avian flu vaccine Vepacel

European Union regulators approved Deerfield-based Baxter International Inc.’s avian flu vaccine Vepacel, the drugmaker said Friday.

Vepacel is approved for use in adults 18 and older, including people with weak immune systems and people who are chronically ill, the company said. The vaccine is intended to protect patients against emerging flu strains before a pandemic is officially declared.

The approval allows Baxter to market Vepacel in all European Union member countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, the company said.

Shares of Baxter International fell 15 cents to $58.15 in morning trading. Its shares have traded in a 52-week range of $47.55 to $62.50.