We asked you, dear Science-ish readers, for your burning questions about vaccines.

You tweeted and emailed what was on your mind. Some of you asked if fears about vaccines are irrational while others wanted to know how flu shots are made and whether we should bother with getting the things. Science-ish was asked why we don’t have an HIV vaccine, and what’s causing the whooping cough outbreaks. Even age-old worries about the link between autism, mercury and vaccines emerged.

Not to worry: Science-ish got answers.

Here are responses to some of your questions and a preview of what’s to come later this week.

Science-ish is a joint project of Maclean’s, the Medical Post and the McMaster Health Forum. Julia Belluz is the associate editor at the Medical Post. Got a tip? Seen something that’s Science-ish? Message her at julia.belluz@medicalpost.rogers.com or on Twitter @juliaoftoronto