Understanding Allergy Immunotherapy (Adult)

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, are ways to treat allergies. The shots help to lessen your body's reaction to allergens or those things that cause you to have allergy symptoms.

People with the following conditions may have immunotherapy:

• Nasal allergies (allergic rhinitis)

• Inflammation of the lining of the eye (allergic conjunctivitis)

• Asthma, triggered by allergens

• Stinging insect allergy

Deciding to Have Immunotherapy 

Talk with your provider about whether you should have allergy shots. Consider the following:

• The severity of your allergy symptoms

• How long the symptoms last. (Do you have symptoms all year, or just for a few periods during spring or fall?)

• How well your symptoms are controlled by medications and avoiding triggers

• Whether you want to take allergy medications long-term

• The time involved and cost of allergy shots

How Immunotherapy Works

You will receive injections of increasing amounts of allergens that cause your allergy symptoms. Your body gradually gets used to the allergens. Eventually your body won't react to them and you won't have allergy symptoms. This works in some, but not all people.

Having Immunotherapy

The shots are given in the upper arm. The shots are usually not painful, but you will feel a small pinch. After your shot, you may have some redness and swelling in your arm. You may also have sneezing, nasal congestion, or mild hives (itchy red, raised spots on the skin).

You may have 1-2 shots a week for 3 to 6 months. This is the build-up phase. Then you will have shots every 2 to 4 weeks, during the maintenance phase. This phase may take a few years. Shot schedules are not exactly the same for each person. Your health care provider will set your schedule. And, you may actually start to feel better during the build-up phase, although it can take much longer.

Each time you receive your shots, you will wait in the office for about 30 minutes. This is to make sure you aren't having a severe allergic reaction, even though severe reactions are uncommon.

While You’re Being Treated

Immunotherapy is only part of the treatment plan for people with allergies. Since it takes time to work, you will need to keep taking allergy medications as advised by your health care provider. It is also important to try to avoid your allergens.