Probably your best approach is to ignore Steve, irritating though he maybe. Of course once the Lieberals tell him it’s safe he will be (likely) parroting how safe it is. No need to think or question, if the government speaks , he is on board.
Normal people ( more and more scarce) will have no problem and will, I expect, treat you with respect.
Without the gospel of the ‘vaccination ‘ I fear you might have an issue, unfortunately.
I wish you well and hope you get to see your family soon
