Allergy Shots - Immunotherapy Information

Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, involve administering regular injections of allergen extracts to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens. This treatment is used to reduce allergic reactions over time.

Allergy Shots FAQ

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What is allergy immunotherapy & how does it work?

Allergen immunotherapy consists of a series of treatments aimed at providing long-term relief from severe allergies. You might consider allergy shots if you have severe allergy symptoms that interfere with your daily life, even after you’ve made changes to your immediate environment.

What are the different types of immunotherapy for allergies?

Currently, the three major immunotherapy approaches for allergies are: Allergy shots are the oldest and most established form of allergy immunotherapy. A provider administers an injection beneath your skin. The injection contains a small amount of the substance you are allergic to, such as pollen, mixed with a delivery liquid.

How does immunotherapy work if I'm allergic to pollen?

A provider administers an injection beneath your skin. The injection contains a small amount of the substance you are allergic to, such as pollen, mixed with a delivery liquid. Gradually, the medical provider increases the concentration of the allergen over time. Tablet sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is another immunotherapy option.

What is a sublingual allergy treatment?

Sublingual therapies are only available for certain allergens such as ragweed, grass, and dust mites. Allergy shots are the most common form of immunotherapy and can deliver long-term relief of allergy symptoms. These shots contain small amounts of a substance you are allergic to, increasing the concentration of the allergen over time.

How does a doctor test for allergies?

The doctor needs to test your allergies to know exactly which substances to use in the shots. For example, if you have allergies during pollen season, they’ll test for which types of pollen cause your symptoms. Ragweed, grasses, and various tree pollens are common culprits. Allergy testing usually consists of skin pricking.