A method for producing at least one microneedle containing a vaccine for transdermal delivery of the vaccine to a patient includes preparing microparticles or nanoparticles of encapsulated vaccine by preparing a solution comprising a vaccine antigen and a biocompatible polymer matrix; and spray drying the solution to form the microparticles or nanoparticles. The method includes the further steps of preparing a film composition including at least one pre-polymer solution; preparing a suspension comprising the microparticles or nanoparticles and the film composition; loading the suspension into a 3D printer; printing, via the 3D printer, at least one microneedle made from the suspension; and, converting the pre-polymer solution into a cross-linked biopolymer by exposing the at least one microneedle to UV light. Also disclosed are microneedles containing a vaccine for transdermal delivery.