As we approach the flu season in the face of a coronavirus pandemic, getting your flu shot this year is more important than ever. While it is hard to predict how COVID-19 will mix with the flu season, public health experts and doctors across the nation are urging people to get vaccinated not only to protect themselves and others against the flu, but to preserve health care resources that are already strained due to COVID-19.

On-site Flu Shots Update for Non-Remote-Enabled Employees

To ensure our employees and core contractors who are working on-site are protected against the flu, Occupational Health Services (OHS) will be providing flu shots at certain Exelon locations*. This service will be available only to those who are not remote-enabled and working on-site at the specific locations. To ensure we are adhering to proper health protocols and social distancing guidelines, flu shots will be administered by appointment only. We will not be able to accommodate walk-ins this year. Click to view list of vaccination locations and to schedule an appointment*

*Due to COVID-19 and to maximize the efficiency of and number of shots administered, only Exelon locations with OHS medical facilities and support will be administering on-site flu vaccinations this year.

Remote-Enabled Employees

Employees who are remote-enabled are encouraged to get their flu shot. For employees and dependents enrolled in Exelon medical coverage, flu shots are covered at 100 percent when provided by an in-network pharmacy or in-network physician or facility. For a list of in-network pharmacies, log in to optumrx.com or visit the site on the back of your ID card for in-network facilities or providers. Many local clinics, pharmacy retailers and major grocery chains are taking proactive measures in preparation for the flu season and to meet customer demand. Many retailers have also implemented additional safety measures meeting or exceeding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Customers can get their flu shot by walk-in or schedule an appointment. Some retailers also are offering drive-through flu clinics and flu shots curbside.

Why is getting a flu shot particularly important this year?

Preventing the flu is always important. The flu can be especially dangerous for young and elderly individuals. Getting a vaccine will not only reduce the risk of getting the flu or needing to seek medical attention for it, it also ensures we all are doing our part to conserve already limited healthcare resources amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can the flu shot reduce my chances of getting the coronavirus?

No. The flu and the coronavirus are two different illnesses caused by two distinct viruses. No FDA-approved vaccine exists for the coronavirus, though many are in development.

When should I get my flu shot?

Flu activity peaks between December and February. This year, due to COVID-19, experts recommend people receive flu shots closer to the start of the flu season in September but no later than the end of October to ensure proper protection against infection.

How does the flu vaccine work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop about two weeks after vaccination. These antibodies provide protection from the viruses that are used to make the vaccine.

For more information about the flu, please visit CDC's website for influenza prevention.

Rest assured that Exelon is doing all we can to keep you and families, as well as our customers and communities, healthy and well during this difficult time. We encourage you to check the Exelon Coronavirus Information Center frequently for more important information and updates.

This week’s Dos and Don’ts start with a call for your help. The anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks – just a week away – has become a very important National Day of Service and Remembrance. This year, the organizers of 9/11 Day are asking people to volunteer virtually as part of “9/11 Day at Home,” and in doing so, remember the many people lost during the attack, but also to COVID-19. There’s no cost, you choose the organization to support, and you can do it safely from home.

Need Ideas? Want to Participate?

Do make a difference by logging into the Powering Communities website, going to Volunteer > Search for Events and then signing up to participate in the virtual event on September 11. Please sign up for the event on September 11, even if you plan to do your volunteer activity another day that week or weekend.

If you volunteer as part of “9/11 Day at Home,” do post a picture to social media encouraging others to volunteer (Relevant hashtags: #911day; #ExelonVolunteers; #PoweringThruTogether). Your post could be highlighted in Exelon’s social media channels!

Here are just some of the virtual volunteer opportunities available:

And if you’d like even more ideas, take a look at this extensive list of virtual-volunteer opportunities.

Get a Sitter or Tutor Today!

Do take advantage of the new enhanced resources with Bright Horizons. These resources are available to all employees and include special pricing and exclusive discounts on educational support and sitter services. Live webinar tutorials to discuss these resources are available for those interested in learning more. Simply click on the “Register Now” link to sign up.  You may also visit Bright Horizons’ new site for these special offers at clients.brighthorizons.com/exeloncares and choose Enhanced Family Supports (no password required).  

• Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 |10:00 am CT  Register Now
• Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020 | 3:30 pm CT Register Now
• Monday, Sept.14, 2020 | 1:00 pm CT Register Now
• Thursday, Sept.17, 2020 | 10:00 am CT Register Now

From the CDC: Stay Safe at the Pool and Beach
Staying six feet apart, wearing a mask, and washing your hands are just a few ways you can help slow the spread of COVID-19. Do watch this video, which includes these and more tips for how to stay safe at the pool and beach this Labor Day weekend

Responsible Re-entry Resource

Have questions about Responsible Re-entry? Do be sure you check out the new Responsible Re-entry microsite. You can access the site directly from the link below or go to the Exelon Coronavirus Information Center and click on the Responsible Re-entry tab.

Protect Exelon Information in Email

Need to email confidential documents outside of the company? Do stop, think and review to determine whether sending the email is consistent with the Acceptable Use Policy (SY-AC-6), which defines the appropriate use of Exelon’s Information Assets, and the corporate procedure on Protecting Exelon Information (LE-AC-301).

Do access Exelon information remotely by logging into the network instead of emailing the information to a personal email.

Don’t send Restricted Confidential, Confidential, proprietary or otherwise sensitive Exelon information to personal email addresses, unsecure accounts or to any recipient who does not have a valid business need to know and/or a confidentiality agreement in place.

Do utilize Outlook Message Encryption (OME) to encrypt any emails containing your own personally identifiable information (such as social security numbers) and ShareFile to securely access and deliver data for a business purpose.

Safely Print Exelon Information Remotely

When printing Exelon information remotely, do comply with company policies and ensure you are using required practices to print, store and dispose of Exelon confidential or sensitive information. Review this job aid for printing instructions. Do remember that your print jobs are monitored by Exelon’s Data Loss Prevention software, even when not on the Exelon network. Do remember that printing or downloading is not permitted if you are using Office 365 by connecting to portal.exeloncorp.com. Don’t throw away or recycle printed files in household trash or in public places unless they are shredded. If you don’t have your own shredder, you also can use a shredding company.

Rest assured that Exelon is doing all we can to keep you and families, as well as our customers and communities, healthy and well during this difficult time. We encourage you to check the Exelon Coronavirus Information Center frequently for more important information and updates.

Our new Responsible Re-entry microsite can help! You can find a lot of helpful information by clicking on the “Responsible Re-entry” tab on the top of the Exelon Coronavirus Information Center homepage.
 
You’ll find everything from the decision criteria for the timing of the phases of re-entry to the policies and procedures that everyone will follow. Each OpCo also has a section dedicated to their specific information.

We’ve also included a manager toolkit with a PowerPoint presentation, recorded webinar and key message/Q&A document.

Just like the main Exelon Coronavirus Information Center, most of the re-entry microsite is available from any internet-enabled device without needing to be on the network, and we’ll provide updates as they become available. Just remember, head to the Information Center and click on the “Responsible Re-entry” tab to access all the information you need.