Xavier Becerra, secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, visited CHoR last Thursday

Secretary Becerra's visit to CHoR was part of a week of public appearances around the country to build trust and confidence in the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. 

University photographer Kevin Morley was on campus to document Becerra’s visit, which included meeting with patients receiving the vaccine and their families and a news conference with Gov. Ralph Northam; Admiral Rachel Levine, the assistant secretary for health in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; VCU and VCU Health System President Michael Rao, Ph.D., and CHoR's Tiffany Kimbrough, M.D.

View highlight's from the press conference on the COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11

Watch brave CHoR patients meet Secretary Becerra and receive their vaccines

Photo highlights from the Secretary's visit

Becerra, far left, speaks with Richmond, HHS and VCU Health leaders, including Mayor Levar Stoney (second from left). (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra greets Sheryl Garland, chief of health impact for VCU Health System. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Becerra, left, greets Johnny Richter at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Abby Avula receives her COVID-19 vaccine. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Abby Avula and Becerra share an elbow tap. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Mary Picado, center, speaks with team members at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU prior to receiving her COVID-19 vaccine. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, and U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra greet Mary Picado. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Mary Picado, center, with Becerra and Northam. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

VCU President Michael Rao speaks with U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra during his visit to Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, left, speaks with Art Kellermann, CEO of VCU Health System. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra speaks to the media during a visit to Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

VCU President Michael Rao. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU’s Tiffany Kimbrough speaks at Thursday's news conference. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

VCU President Michael Rao addresses guests and media at a news conference outside Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)