Therapeutic or prophylactic compositions providing an active agent, such as an antigen or a vector that contains and expresses an antigen, encapsulated in or incorporated into a biodegradable polymeric particle are provided. The compositions can also provide an active agent that is not encapsulated in or incorporated into the biodegradable polymeric particle in order to provide an initial or prime delivery of the active agent. Particles or composites providing an active agent encapsulated by a first and second polymer are also provided, wherein polymers are distributed in a gradient from a core of the composite to a surface of the composite, and configured to provide a delayed release of the active agent by a period of 7 days to 6 months. Methods of producing composites are also provided. Pharmaceutical formulations providing a single dose composition are also provided, along with methods for administering the pharmaceutical compositions to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an active agent are provided.