Allergy Shots
More than 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies. In fact, nearly one-third of adults and one-quarter of children report having a seasonal or food allergy. For many, avoiding triggers and using medications like antihistamines or nasal sprays can provide relief. However, this may not be enough for some, especially those with allergic rhinitis. If your allergies are environmental in nature, allergy shots might offer a long-term solution by helping to build your body’s natural resistance to allergies over time.
What Causes Allergies?
Allergies can be triggered by a number of indoor and outdoor environmental factors—from dust mites and mold to pet dander, pollen, smoke and more. For some, even everyday activities like cleaning, walking outside or petting a dog can trigger an allergic reaction. While allergy symptoms may resemble a cold, they are not caused by a virus.
Common symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Skin rashes
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
In many cases, oral antihistamines, decongestants and corticosteroid nasal sprays can help manage allergy symptoms. However, if you are not finding relief or are experiencing more severe symptoms, other treatments—including allergy shots—should be considered.
What Are Allergy Shots and How Do They Work?
Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy designed to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions. Each shot contains a small amount of the allergen that triggers your allergies, and the doses are carefully regulated to stimulate the immune system without causing severe allergic symptoms.
The amount of allergen in the shots gradually increases over time, allowing your immune system to build tolerance. Allergy shots are usually given over a period of three to five years.
There are two phases to allergy shot treatment: the build-up phase and the maintenance phase.
The build-up phase is the initial period of treatment for allergy shots. It typically involves receiving one to three shots per week and lasts about three to six months. However, the length of this phase depends on how severe your allergies are and how well you tolerate treatment.
You enter the maintenance phase once you reach your “effective therapeutic dose,” which is when you have built enough tolerance to the allergen to be effective but not enough to trigger a severe reaction. This phase can last three to five years or longer and requires an allergy shot less frequently—usually just once a month. Most people notice a significant decrease in allergy symptoms within the first year of treatment.
Who Can Benefit from Allergy Shots?
For people whose allergies do not improve with environmental changes or medications — especially those with asthma that’s made worse by allergies, allergy shots may be beneficial. They may also be a good choice if:
- It’s not possible to avoid the triggers that cause allergies
- Allergy medications interact with other medications, including antidepressants, indigestion medications and other antihistamines
- Allergy medications cause serious side effects
While allergy shots are generally safe for people of all ages, they are not recommended for people with certain conditions, including:
- Severe asthma
- Heart conditions
- Pregnancy
- People who take certain medications, like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers
How Well Do Allergy Shots Work?
Approximately 80-90% of people who get allergy shots experience long-term relief from allergy symptoms, with a reduced need for medications over time. In some cases, allergy shots can even help prevent the development of asthma, especially in children with severe allergies.
Long-Term Side Effects of Allergy Shots
Research shows that allergy shots generally don’t cause long-term side effects and can provide lasting relief for years—even after treatment ends. However, there is a risk of relapse, and in rare cases, some patients may experience severe side effects.
Allergy Shots at Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy
At Schweiger Dermatology & Allergy, we offer a range of treatments for allergies, including allergy shots for adults, teens and children. If other treatments haven’t been successful, our allergy specialists can determine whether allergy shots are a good option based on your condition. Schedule an appointment online or call (844) 760-3380.
Reviewed by Dr. Peter Logalbo.
FAQs
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Can allergy shots treat food allergies?
Currently, allergy shots are only effective for environmental allergies. For food allergies, avoidance is the preferred treatment However, there are oral immunotherapy options available for food allergens like milk, eggs, peanut butter and more. If you or your child have food allergies, it’s important to talk with an allergy specialist to determine if oral immunotherapy is right for you.
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Can allergy shots help if I’m allergic to my pet?
Yes. Allergy shots can help eliminate the symptoms of pet allergies in up to 80% of patients who take a full course of treatment.
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How long will I have to be on allergy treatment?
The duration of allergy shot treatments varies from person to person, depending on how they tolerate the shots and how well their bodies respond. Most people can stop treatment after three years, although a recurrence is possible.
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Are allergy shots safe?
Allergy shots are generally very safe when administered by an allergy specialist in a controlled environment. However, there is a small risk of having a reaction to the allergen, which is typically mild, such as local bumps or itching. After receiving an allergy shot, we ask patients to stay in the office for 30 minutes to monitor for any rare, serious reactions.
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Are allergy shots good for children?
If your child is over five years old and has allergies, they may be a good candidate for allergy shots. Allergy shots are not recommended for children under five because it may be challenging to comply with the consistent treatment schedule, they may experience anxiety over a fear of needles and they can have difficulty expressing themselves if they are having a reaction.