Political Blame Game Exposed
Nevada Democrats are playing politics with people’s health care. Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro, who is running for Nevada Attorney General, blamed President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for blocking COVID vaccine access in Nevada. But the real story shows she was wrong.
This looks like classic campaign politics. Cannizzaro is trying to score points with voters by attacking popular conservative targets. But she got caught spreading false information to Nevadans while seeking their votes.
Cannizzaro criticized Trump and RFK Jr. for showing:
“reckless disregard for Nevadans’ health and well-being by baselessly changing the eligibility requirements for new COVID vaccines and making it nearly impossible for many Nevadans to receive them.”
The problem? It was Nevada’s own state rules that created the mess. Not Trump. Not RFK Jr.
The company explained:
“CVS follows state-level regulations, and in some states, pharmacists are not permitted to administer vaccines that have not been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”
This tweet made the MAGA crowd mad, but the fact remains that Donald Trump and RFK Jr are blocking access to COVID vaccines for Nevadans who want them.
If you’re curious, all you have to do is google it. https://t.co/hA1QDBWId7 pic.twitter.com/CCCJywQTw2
— Nicole Cannizzaro (@Nicole4Nevada) September 5, 2025
What Really Happened
Here’s the truth that Cannizzaro didn’t want to admit. CVS, one of the nation’s top pharmacies, told us there is not a shortage of the vaccine, but due to state pharmacy regulations, they cannot administer the shot in Nevada. The same thing happened in two other states.
Nevada has rules that stops pharmacists from giving out vaccines until the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices approves them. CVS, the nation’s largest retail pharmacy chain, told the New York Times and other media outlets that it will not offer the updated COVID-19 vaccine at all in Nevada, Massachusetts and New Mexico.
The company told KTNV it’s because of a state law limiting what vaccines pharmacists can administer to those approved by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
This committee hasn’t met yet about the new COVID shots. They’re scheduled to meet September 18-19.
State Regulators Fix the Problem
When the heat got too hot, Nevada’s own Board of Pharmacy stepped in. CVS confirmed the Nevada Board of Pharmacy issued new guidance Friday and as a result the vaccines will be made available after they clarify rules about what vaccines pharmacists can give.
This proves the problem was always about state rules. Not federal politics.
Why This Matters to Conservatives
This story shows everything wrong with today’s political climate. Instead of fixing problems, politicians point fingers. Instead of taking responsibility, they blame others.
Cannizzaro wanted to score political points against Trump and RFK Jr. She didn’t want to admit that Nevada’s own red tape was the real problem. She even announced she has instructed legislative staff “to explore statutory and regulatory options to address this crisis” when all along, state regulators could fix it themselves.
This is government at its worst. Too many rules. Too much bureaucracy. And when things go wrong, blame someone else.
The Conservative Principle at Stake
Limited government means having fewer rules that get in people’s way. It means local control instead of federal mandates. But it also means taking responsibility when your own rules cause problems.
Nevada already had the power to fix this vaccine issue. State pharmacy boards can interpret their own rules. They proved it when they issued new guidance that let CVS start offering the shots again.
The real question is this: Why did it take a political uproar for state officials to clarify their own rules?
Looking Ahead
This won’t be the last time politicians try to blame others for their own regulatory failures. Here’s what conservatives should watch for:
The FDA has approved the new COVID shots for people 65 and older and those with health conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week began recommending COVID boosters only for people 65 or older and others at high risk of complications. That’s a more limited approach than before.
The CDC committee will meet later this month to give their final recommendations. Insurance coverage might change based on what they decide.
Nevada’s legislature won’t meet again until 2027. But Lombardo and Cannizzaro have both acknowledged that conversations about the prospect of a special session are happening behind the scenes.
What Conservatives Can Do
First, demand accountability from your local and state officials. When they mess up, they should own it. Not point fingers at Washington.
Second, support efforts to cut red tape that gets between people and their health care choices. Whether it’s vaccines, prescription drugs, or doctor visits, government rules often make things harder than they need to be.
Third, remember this story when politicians try to blame others for local problems. Ask tough questions. Demand proof. Don’t let them get away with political theater.
Gov. Joe Lombardo, a Republican who ousted Sisolak in 2022, has called vaccines “positive” but said he is largely anti-mandate, saying it’s up to individuals to decide what is best for themselves and their children. That’s the right approach. Let people choose.
The Bottom Line
Nicole Cannizzaro got caught playing politics with people’s health care. She blamed Trump and RFK Jr. for a problem that Nevada’s own rules created. When state regulators fixed the issue with new guidance, it proved she was wrong all along.
This is why conservatives fight for limited government and local control. When the government has fewer rules, there are fewer chances for politicians to mess things up and blame others.
The real lesson here isn’t about vaccines. It’s about honesty in government. And right now, that’s in short supply in Nevada.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
