Calvin Butler, CEO Exelon Utilities, Shares His Thoughts about the COVID-19 Vaccine

I recently got my second Pfizer shot at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. If anyone is hesitant about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, I’m glad to share the steps I took to protect my family, our Exelon team, and the communities we serve. 

I had a few reasons for getting vaccinated as soon as I was eligible. I’m a social person and I miss the interaction with our teams and our communities. I want to be able to be present – in person – as soon as possible. To do that I know I need to remain healthy, as well as set an example for my family and coworkers. When I was able to get an appointment, I felt good, while also telling myself there was no backing out now. 

Fortunately, when I got to the stadium vaccination site, it was so well organized, and everyone was very professional. There were nurses from around the country, and I appreciated their level of service. I also appreciated that it didn’t hurt. I would say I was brave, but it was over before I even had a chance to flinch. Afterwards, it felt like a Charlie horse in my arm for about 24 hours, but that was it – kind of like a frog on your arm (if you don’t know what that means, ask someone with a sibling who used to get punched in the arm). Fortunately, I didn’t have any other side effects. My vaccine appointment went well and I left feeling grateful and relieved. 

I’m hopeful for a path forward emerging from this pandemic, and I recognize vaccines will help all of us get there. I knew that getting vaccinated was important not only for my own health and well-being, but the health and well-being of my community. I felt like I needed to step out and follow the lead of those I do trust. At Exelon utilities, we partnered with industry leaders like CareFirst by signing the #BetterTogether pledge to get educated about the COVID vaccine. I reached out to people I know personally, in the medical community, as well as my own doctor. I asked them for their professional opinion. As you consider vaccination, do your research and ask all of the questions that get you the information you need. When you have the opportunity, I encourage you to think your own personal well-being, your family’s and our entire community.