Allergy shots are a type of immunotherapy treatment in which your allergist, Opens dialog or doctor injects small doses of substances that you are allergic to (allergens, Opens dialog) under your skin. This helps your body "get used to" the allergen, which can result in fewer or less severe symptoms of allergic rhinitis, Opens dialog.
Your allergist will use an extract of grass, weed, or tree pollen; dust mites, Opens dialog; molds; or animal dander, Opens dialog for allergy shots. You must first have skin testing to find out which allergen you are allergic to.
Your allergist injects under your skin a solution of salt water (saline) that contains a very small amount of the allergen(s). At first, you get the shot once or twice a week. You gradually receive more of the allergen in the shots.
Other ways to get this treatment are called cluster or rush immunotherapy, in which you reach the maintenance dose more quickly.
Allergy shots are usually given in a doctor's office. It is normal to stay in the doctor's office for a short time after getting an allergy shot to be watched for possible serious reactions to the injected insect venom.
Redness and warmth at the shot site are common. But they'll go away after a short time.
Allergy shots can reduce your reaction to allergens, which can result in fewer or less severe symptoms. They may also prevent children who have allergic rhinitis from getting asthma, Opens dialog.footnote 1 Recommendations on when to get allergy shots vary, but in general you and your doctor may consider them when:
Allergy symptoms are severe enough that the benefit from the shots outweighs the expense and the time spent getting the shots.
You are allergic to only a few substances, and they are hard to avoid.
Avoiding allergens and using medicine do not control symptoms, or you have to take medicine all the time to control symptoms.
Side effects of medicines are a problem.
You want a treatment for the cause of your allergy, rather than treatment for just the symptoms.
You have another condition that is being affected by allergic rhinitis, such as asthma.
You want to lower the chance that you will develop asthma.
Information about Allergy Shots for Allergic Rhinitis
Allergy shots are effective in treating allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, Opens dialog. The shots reduce symptoms in those allergic to pollens, animal dander, dust mites, mold, and cockroaches. Experts do not know how long allergy shots work after you stop getting the shots. Some people may not have their allergies return. Others may have allergies return within a few years.footnote 1
Although you still need to avoid allergens, you may be able to use less medicine or stop using medicines.
Allergy shots are safe if the shots are given correctly. The most common side effects are redness and warmth at the shot site. Some people may have reactions near where they had the shot, such as itching, hives, or swelling of the skin. More serious but less common side effects include symptoms that affect other parts of the body. Examples are hives, Opens dialog, itching, and trouble breathing.
In rare cases, a person may have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the shots. Because of this possibility, the shots are given in a doctor's office or other setting where emergency care can be provided if needed. You must report any delayed reaction that you have to a shot. Late reactions can happen anytime within 24 hours after a shot.
Allergy shots may not be right for you if you:
Have another condition, such as asthma. You may be more likely to have a severe reaction to the shots. You should have your asthma well controlled before you get allergy shots.
Are taking ACE inhibitors, such as captopril (Capoten, for example) or lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril, or Zestoretic, for example). These are often prescribed for high blood pressure, Opens dialog and a variety of heart conditions. Talk to your doctor first about the potential risks of allergy shots.
Are not able to communicate about reactions to shots. Most doctors don't give allergy shots to children younger than age 5.
Citations
Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters (2011). Allergen immunotherapy: A practice parameter third update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(1, Suppl): S1–S55.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters (2011). Allergen immunotherapy: A practice parameter third update. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 127(1, Suppl): S1–S55.
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