Medically reviewed by
Jennifer L. Caicedo, MD
An overview of allergy shots, how they work, and if they are right for you
Allergy shots and allergy injections, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are a form of proven treatment for allergies. These injections help your immune system build tolerance to specific allergens, potentially providing long-lasting relief from allergy symptoms. Whether you’re considering starting treatment or researching options, this comprehensive guide explores if this treatment approach might be right for you.
Allergy shots are a form of long-term treatment that decreases symptoms for many people with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis (eye allergy) or stinging insect allergy. By reducing your sensitivity to specific allergens over time, immunotherapy through allergy injections can lead to lasting relief even after treatment ends.
Jump Ahead
- When to Consider Allergy Shots
- How do Allergy Shots Work?
- What to Expect from Your Allergy Shots
- Effectiveness of Immunotherapy
- Benefits of Allergy Shots
- Disadvantages and Long-Term Considerations of Allergy Shots
- Which Allergies Can Allergy Shots Treat?
- Are Allergy Shots Right for You?
- Allergy Shot FAQs
When to Consider Allergy Shots
Allergy shots or immunotherapy may be a good option if you:
- Experience severe or chronic allergy symptoms
- Don’t respond adequately to medications
- Want to reduce long-term use of allergy medications
- Have allergies that could lead to dangerous reactions such as anaphylaxis.
- Find it difficult to avoid exposure to specific allergens
Your allergist can help determine if allergy injections are appropriate based on your specific symptoms, allergen triggers, and overall health status.
How do Allergy Shots Work?
Allergy shots work by gradually exposing your immune system to controlled amounts of specific allergens. This carefully planned exposure helps your body develop tolerance to these substances over time. The process involves regular injections containing purified extracts of the allergens causing your symptoms.
This immunotherapy approach differs from medications that simply mask symptoms – instead, it addresses the underlying cause of your allergic reactions. By modifying your immune system’s response, allergy shots can provide lasting benefit even after treatment completion.
What to Expect from Your Allergy Shots
The build-up phase and maintenance phase are two important stages of allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots.
Build-up Phase:
- Receive injections 1-2 times per week
- Gradually increasing allergen doses
- Typically lasts 3-6 months
- Closely monitored for reactions
Maintenance Phase:
- Reduced frequency (every 2-4 weeks)
- Consistent allergen dose
- Continues for 3-5 years
- Regular evaluation of effectiveness
Your allergist will customize the schedule and dosing based on your specific needs and response to treatment.
Effectiveness of Immunotherapy
The effectiveness of allergy shots can vary depending on the individual patient and their specific allergy treatment plan. Here are some factors that can affect the effectiveness of allergy shots:
- Type of allergy: Allergy shots are typically most effective for allergies to substances like pollens, molds, and house dust mites. They may not be as effective for food allergies or other types of allergies.
- Duration of treatment: Allergy shots require a significant time commitment, particularly during the initial build-up phase. Patients typically need to receive injections once or twice a week for several months, followed by maintenance injections every few weeks or months for up to five years or longer. The longer a patient receives allergy shots, the greater the potential for long-term symptom relief.
- Compliance with treatment: It’s important for patients to be consistent with their allergy shot treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments. Missing injections or discontinuing treatment early can reduce the effectiveness of allergy shots.
- Severity of allergy symptoms: Allergy shots are typically recommended for people with severe or chronic allergies that do not respond well to medications or other treatments. The more severe the allergy symptoms, the greater the potential benefit of allergy shots.
- Individual response to treatment: Some patients may respond better to allergy shots than others. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of allergy shots with your doctor and to monitor your response to treatment.
Allergy shots can be an effective treatment option for reducing or even eliminating allergy symptoms. They may also prevent the development of new allergies or the progression of allergies to asthma. However, they are not a cure for allergies and may not work for everyone. It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of allergy shots with your doctor to determine if they are a good option for you.
Benefits of Allergy Shots
Immunotherapy through allergy shots can significantly reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms for many people. Once your immune system has built up a tolerance to specific allergens through this treatment, the benefits can last for several years or even permanently. This long-term relief is one of the most compelling advantages of choosing immunotherapy as a treatment approach.
By reducing allergy symptoms, immunotherapy can dramatically improve your overall quality of life. Many patients undergoing this treatment find they can participate in outdoor activities they previously had to avoid, sleep better at night, and function more effectively at work or school. The impact on daily life can be transformative, especially for those who previously struggled with severe allergic reactions.
While oral medications like antihistamines and nasal sprays can help alleviate allergy symptoms, they don’t address the root cause of allergies. Immunotherapy works differently by helping your immune system build up a tolerance to allergens, addressing the underlying cause of your allergic reactions. This approach often leads to decreased reliance on daily medications, which can result in significant cost savings over time.
The preventive benefits of immunotherapy are particularly noteworthy. Research has shown that this treatment may help prevent the development of new allergies and may even prevent the progression of allergies to asthma, a serious respiratory condition that can be triggered by allergies. For children with allergies, this preventive aspect can be especially valuable for their long-term health.
From a cost perspective, while immunotherapy may require an upfront investment, it often proves to be cost-effective in the long run. By reducing the need for ongoing allergy medication and preventing the development of new allergies or complications, this treatment can help reduce overall healthcare costs over time. Many patients find that the initial time and financial commitment is outweighed by the long-term savings and improved quality of life.
Disadvantages and Long-Term Considerations of Allergy Shots
While allergy immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can be an effective treatment option, there are some important disadvantages and considerations to keep in mind. Understanding these factors can help you make an informed decision about whether allergy shots are right for you.
One significant consideration is that allergy shots require a substantial time commitment, particularly during the initial build-up phase. Patients typically need to receive injections once or twice a week for several months, followed by maintenance injections every few weeks or months for several years. This schedule requires regular visits to your healthcare provider, which may be challenging for some people to maintain.
The effectiveness of allergy shots can also vary depending on the specific allergens and individual patient response. While many people experience significant improvement, some may find their symptoms persist to some degree. Additionally, in some cases, allergy symptoms may temporarily worsen after starting allergy shots. This initial increase in symptoms, known as a “flare-up” reaction, typically occurs during the build-up phase and usually subsides as treatment continues.
From a safety perspective, while allergy shots have been extensively studied and have a strong safety profile, they can have some potential side effects. The most common reactions are localized, such as redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site. These typically resolve quickly and become less frequent as treatment continues. More serious reactions, while rare, can include anaphylaxis, which is why shots are always administered under medical supervision with a required monitoring period afterward.
Long-term considerations also include the potential impact on other medications and the possibility of changes in effectiveness over time. Some patients may need to adjust their regular allergy medications during treatment, and the beneficial effects of allergy shots may vary in duration after treatment completion. It’s important to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider about any changes in symptoms or concerns throughout the treatment process.
The financial aspect should also be considered. While allergy shots can be cost-effective in the long run, they may require significant upfront costs and ongoing payments for office visits and injections. Insurance coverage varies, so it’s important to understand your specific coverage and potential out-of-pocket expenses before starting treatment.
Which Allergies Can Allergy Shots Treat?
Allergy shots, or allergen immunotherapy, can be effective in treating certain types of allergies. An allergist can determine which type of allergy test is best for you. Here are some allergies that can be treated with allergy shots:
- Pollens, molds, and house dust mites: Allergy shots can be effective in treating allergies to substances like pollens, molds, and house dust mites. These are common allergens that can cause symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes.
- General insect allergies: Allergy shots may also be used to treat allergies to insect stings, such as honey bee, wasp, & yellow jacket. In some cases, allergy shots may also be used to treat allergies to insect droppings, like those from cockroaches.
Are Allergy Shots Right for You?
If you are suffering from severe or chronic allergies, you may be wondering if allergy shots are a good treatment option for you. Here are some factors to consider when determining if allergy shots are right for you:
- Severity and frequency of symptoms
- Response to current medications
- Time commitment availability
- Cost and insurance coverage
- Overall health status
- Age and other medical conditions
Frequently Asked Questions About Allergy Shots
Are allergy shots really worth it?
Allergy shots can be worth it for many patients, especially those with severe allergies or who don't respond well to medications. They can reduce symptoms long-term and decrease medication dependence. While requiring a time commitment, they often provide lasting relief and can be cost-effective compared to long-term medication use.
Do allergy shots work better than pills?
Unlike pills that temporarily relieve symptoms, allergy shots can modify your immune system's response to allergens, potentially providing long-term relief. While pills offer quick relief, shots address the underlying cause of allergies and may eliminate the need for daily medication.
What is the success rate of allergy shots?
Allergy shots are effective for about 85% of people who complete the recommended course of treatment. Success rates are highest for environmental allergies like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander, with many patients experiencing significant symptom reduction within the first year.
What happens when you stop allergy shots?
After completing a full course of allergy shots (typically 3-5 years), many people maintain their improvements. However, stopping treatment early may result in symptoms returning. The duration of benefit varies by individual, with some maintaining relief for years after completion.
Who should not get allergy shots?
Allergy shots may not be suitable for people with severe asthma, certain heart conditions, or those taking specific medications. They're also not typically recommended during pregnancy, though maintenance doses may be continued. Consult an allergist to determine if you're a good candidate.
Can allergy shots make things worse?
While temporary symptom increases can occur during the build-up phase, serious adverse reactions are rare. Any worsening is typically mild and short-lived. Treatment is conducted under medical supervision to ensure safety and adjust dosing as needed.
How expensive are allergy shots?
The cost of allergy shots varies by insurance coverage and treatment duration. While initial costs may be higher than medications, shots can be more cost-effective long-term by reducing or eliminating the need for ongoing medications. Many insurance plans provide coverage for allergy shots.
Learn More About Allergy Shots from Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center
For more information about allergy treatment and prevention, contact any of the 16 offices of Carolina Asthma & Allergy Center. Our board-certified allergists can help determine if allergy shots are right for you and develop a customized treatment plan for your specific needs. Get in touch with us today to schedule your appointment.
