My real fear was that after all the normies and NPCs had been vaccinated, they would then release a more lethal strain of covid and kill off all the skeptics (or put them in such danger that they would have to self-isolate). I spoke about this possibility a few times before.

I remember you bringing it up and I agree it's a possibility. A scary one. However, I don't think we have anyway of knowing if that's the plan or not.

Consider this. If you could wait it out and you noticed that all the people refusing the vax were dying would you really want to go take the brand and live a life of perpetual slavery? They'd really have us all by the balls if we became totally reliant on government issued vaccines. It wouldn't really matter if we were driven into that slavery by a 'real' pandemic or not. It's game over for living life as a free human being.

I live on the outskirts of a small city, so my location isn't that great

Could be worse. As long as you're not in a big city you'll have a shot.

I have some preps for an emergency, but not as much as I'd like.

If you don't think you have enough then get to know your white neighbors better. Create a plan. Communication, water, ammo/weapons, enough power to keep communications up and meat frozen. Those are the initial essentials you need to workout with the neighbors. I don't have absolutely everything I need but I coordinated with enough of my neighbors that we will be able to fulfill major needs for the group.