[EvaH (OP)]

Shirley says:

I had my AZ COVID 1st dose at the beginning of March. I’m aged 64, haven’t had COVID. My concern is I had no side effects whatsoever from the vaccine except a slightly tender arm. Same for my elderly Mum & 55 year old husband who had Pfizer jab. Do you think it’s possible it still may have worked to offer some protection? I must say I do get anxious & read a lot online about the whole COVID thing. I realise that no vaccination is guaranteed to protect.

Can you help?

[alancalverd]

Lucky you! "Tender arm" is a frequently-reported side effect (I have had vaccinations with no subsequent tenderness) and probably indicates an immune response.   

[Bored chemist]

It's a widely asked question.
Thankfully, the answer is that  the antibody response isn't linked to the severity of side effects.
For example, there's a story about it here.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/if-you-dont-have-covid-vaccine-side-effects-are-you-still-protected/

It's important to remember that , even if you have been vaccinated, you still can't be 100% sure that you are immune- If you happen to pick up the virus, you can still pass it on to others so you should still follow the social distancing guidance. (though, you can't get the virus from the vaccination- that's not how this jab works).

For what it's worth, I'm another one who got nothing more than a slightly sore arm.

[CliffordK]

Shirley,

You should be due for your second dose.  Let us know how it goes.  The way the immune system works, the first exposure to a novel stimulus is usually mild due to not having any antibodies against the antigens. 

Then the second response is usually more severe due to the primed immune response.

[set fair]

A lot of people saying that a big reaction means you're responding well, it's just one of those things that appeal to morons.. We're all different and minimal side effects mean nothing.