Allergy Shots for Environmental & Seasonal Allergies
An Effective Way To Get Real Relief From Allergies
Allergy shots can be used to treat seasonal and environmental allergies like molds, pollen, dust, and animal dander. We offer allergy shots for adults and children five years of age or older. We do not treat insect venom allergies or food allergies with shots.
The initial phase of allergy shot treatment begins with an escalating dose of allergens with each shot. The patient will then stay on a maintenance injection every week for a year. After the first year, injections can be spaced to every three or six weeks. There is no universal protocol for ending the injections. The decision to end injection allergy treatment relies on the patient's individual needs.
What Should I Know Before I Start Allergy Shots?
Several possible side effects have been associated with allergy shot treatment. Most commonly “local reactions" occur, which can include redness, swelling, and itching near the site of the injection. Local reactions may develop immediately or hours after receiving the shots. Ice and antihistamines are effective treatments which can provide relief for local reactions.
Anaphylaxis can also occur following injections. Numerous studies show only a minimal chance of experiencing an anaphylactic reaction after injections. The vast majority happen within half an hour of the injection being administered, which is why we require all allergy patients receiving injections to remain in the office for 30 minutes afterward. For more clinical research, explore our clinical data page.
For long-term relief, treatment generally takes between three and five years.
A Modern Allergy Treatment
If you think allergy shots may be right for you, or would like more information, call our office or request an appointment to consult with one of our board-certified allergists.