Pollen Allergy Shots: Immunotherapy for Seasonal Allergies

A form of immunotherapy that gradually desensitizes the body to pollen allergens over time.

Pollen Allergy Shots FAQ

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 immunotherapy for allergies?

Immunotherapy is one treatment approach for allergies, such as those that cause symptoms of allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, or symptoms of food allergies. Unlike medications to treat symptoms, immunotherapy gets at the root cause to reeducate your immune system to tolerate allergens better.

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 allergy immunotherapy work?

Allergen immunotherapy exposes patients to a tiny amount of an allergen, which can help build immunity and get you closer to long-lasting relief. Whether they're seasonal or year-round, allergies can put a serious damper on a person's quality of life.

What is allergy immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy) or stinging insect allergy.

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.

What is an allergic reaction?

An allergy is where your body reacts to something that's normally harmless like pollen, dust or animal fur. The symptoms can be mild, but for some people they can be very serious. Things that cause allergic reactions are called allergens.

How does allergy testing work?

Allergy testing usually consists of skin pricking. During a skin prick test, your doctor will prick the skin on your back or forearm with several types of allergens to determine which ones cause reactions. A type of specialist known as an allergist or an immunologist will conduct all testing and treatment with allergy shots.