Providers greeted news of a vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus with hope and enthusiasm in December. COVID-19 cases in long-term care total 6% — and 38% of deaths — nationally. In January, however, there is confusion, concern and disappointment at the lagging rates of vaccination for older adults, particularly those who live in assisted living and other residential care communities.

Spread in the greater community, staff member infections, facility size and the racial makeup of residents are among the factors associated with COVID-19 cases and deaths in long-term care facilities, according to the results of a Kaiser Family Foundation study released Friday.