EU approves Vepacel(Baxter) vaccine for immunisation against HSN1 Influenza A

The European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for Vepacel from Baxter International in all European Union (EU) Member States, as well as Iceland , Liechtenstein and Norway. Vepacel is a pre-pandemic influenza vaccine indicated for active immunization in adults 18 years and older (including immunocompromised and chronically ill patients) against the H5N1 subtype of influenza A (A/Vietnam1203/2004), commonly known as bird or avian flu. Pre-pandemic vaccination provides a level of protection against an emerging highly pathogenic influenza strain prior to an officially-declared pandemic. Vepacel is manufactured using Baxters proprietary advanced Vero cell technology.