Mr. Engber makes some excellent references to the abuse of scientific doubt by large corporations to protect their financial interests, such as the tobacco corporations and beryllium industry, but then sides with big pharma to doubt the dangers of the MMR vaccine.

The studies most widely cited showing no link between vaccination and autism were funded and often conducted by the vaccine producers (http://www.slate.com/id/21891­78/entry/2189206/). They are in minor journals, and as is common with scientific study, have conclusions much more conservative than the popular media interpretation (Vaccinations Are Safe!). The safety of MMR for children is derived from a study conducted on adults, and there has never been a similar study conducted on children (large-scale, with control group).

The concerns raised by MMR critics is not derived from a lack of faith in the scientific method. It's a lack of faith in government and corporate honesty and competence. Most of us are all for science. But make it real science; with double-blind studies, acknowledgement of conflict-of-interest,
and public disclosure of the results, regardless of whether they support your corporate sponsors.