Edible vaccines, a more controversial approach to vaccine development, have been investigated by scientists. Plants can be genet
ically modified to produce viral proteins and when ingested, these proteins ignite the immune system of the consumer. What are the advantages to edible vaccines? What are some of the possible disadvantages?
Advantages of Edible Vaccines: 1. No need to use needles for administration which means, no pain for the patient. 2. Easily ingested since it is just edible and vaccine will be easily transported. 3. Less cost in production. 4. Mass production is possible. 5. Heat stability.
Disadvantages of Edible Vaccines: 1. Environmentalists are concerned that the proteins produced could accidentally make their way into the food supply. 2. Regulatory issue on where should they be classified as.
