Meng Joins HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra for Tour of Queens Vaccination Site

QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) welcomed U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra to her congressional district in Queens where they visited a COVID-19 vaccination site in Elmhurst.

The two toured the vaccination location inside the former Modell's at the Queens Center Mall. They were briefed on the facility's operations, thanked frontline workers, and highlighted the importance of increasing vaccine confidence.

In April, Meng joined New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards to unveil and tour the site after she called for more vaccination locations to be opened in her district.

"I thank Secretary Becerra for visiting Queens to see the progress we're making in vaccinating borough residents, and for underscoring the importance of all New Yorkers getting vaccinated," said Meng. "Just over a year ago, Queens – most notably Elmhurst – was in the heart of the epicenter when the coronavirus struck our nation. While we have come a long way, we need to make sure resources are in place for people to be vaccinated. All of my constituents deserve easy access to the vaccine, and I will continue working to ensure that this happens. Our city and state continue to turn the corner as we seek to move past this pandemic, but everybody must do their part. Shots in arms are key to our recovery, and is critical to helping New York get fully back on its feet."