Dr. Manisha Juthani has guided Connecticut’s public-health response during a time of uncertainty over national vaccine policy and growing skepticism among patients. Appointed commissioner of the state Department of Public Health in 2021, she oversees an agency responsible for infectious-disease control, environmental health and emergency preparedness.
This fall, Juthani brought together a panel of physicians and public-policy experts to examine the state’s vaccine strategy after new federal recommendations altered long-standing guidance on COVID-19 boosters and childhood shots. The discussion highlighted how shifting advice can confuse both patients and providers.
Connecticut has responded by keeping its own vaccination policies in place and coordinating with insurers and pharmacies to maintain coverage. The state also joined six neighboring states and New York City in forming the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, which focuses on regional planning for vaccine access, data sharing and disease management.
Juthani is the first Indian American to serve as a commissioner in Connecticut. Before entering government, Juthani was an infectious-disease specialist at Yale School of Medicine, where her research centered on infection prevention and antibiotic use in older adults.