Which of the following is a potential consequence of vaccine storage and handling errors?

Vaccine storage and handling errors can significantly affect the quality of vaccines, with one major consequence being reduced potency and effectiveness. Vaccines are formulated to remain viable within specific temperature ranges. If vaccines are stored improperly—such as being exposed to excessive heat, cold, or fluctuations in temperature—their chemical structure can be compromised. This alteration can render them less effective or even ineffective, which means that individuals receiving these improperly stored vaccines may not gain the intended immune protection against diseases.

In contrast, increased community vaccination rates, enhanced patient trust in vaccines, and improved public health outcomes would generally be associated with proper vaccine handling and administration, and are not direct consequences of errors in storage and handling. The focus is on maintaining the integrity and efficacy of vaccines, which underscores the importance of following stringent guidelines for their storage and handling to ensure public safety and health.