Three hundred twenty-seven patients at West Virginia nursing homes have been killed by COVID-19 ­– at least, according to the last report from state officials. By the time you read this, the death toll may be higher

The grim truth is that our state’s record on protecting nursing home residents against the disease is better than in many others. Of the 870 Mountain State residents who have succumbed to the virus, nursing home deaths account for 37.6%.

Gov. Jim Justice and other state officials have done the best they could to safeguard nursing home residents. Thankfully, their priorities in that regard remain appropriate.

The first delivery of a vaccine against COVID-19 is expected within days in West Virginia. Health care workers are being given top priority for immunization.

But nursing home residents and staffs are at the top of the list, too. Marty Wright, chief executive officer of the state Health Care Association, told MetroNews vaccinations could begin at nursing homes within the next few days.

Protecting nursing home residents quickly may save scores of lives. State officials should stick to that plan, even if unforeseen problems develop in their vaccine schedule.