Overview
Allergy shots are treatments to stop or lessen allergy symptoms. The shots are given as a series that lasts 3 to 5 years. Allergy shots are a form of treatment called immunotherapy.
Each allergy shot contains a tiny amount of the substance or substances that trigger allergic reactions. These substances are called allergens. Allergy shots have just enough allergens to alert the immune system but not enough to cause allergy symptoms.
Over time, the dose of allergens increases with each shot. The immune system gets used to the allergens and learns not to react to them, so symptoms improve over time.
Why it’s done
Allergy shots may be a good treatment choice if:
- Medicines don’t control symptoms well.
- Things that cause allergic reactions can’t be avoided.
- Allergy medicines interact with other medicines you need to take.
- Allergy medicines cause bothersome side effects.
- Reducing long-term use of allergy medicines is a goal.
- The allergy is to insect stings.
Allergy shots can be used to control symptoms triggered by:
- Seasonal allergies. Hay fever and seasonal allergic asthma may be reactions to pollens released by trees, grasses or weeds.
- Indoor allergens. Indoor symptoms that last all year are often allergic reactions to dust mites, cockroaches, mold or dander from pets.
- Insect stings. Allergic reactions to insect stings can be triggered by bees, wasps, hornets or yellow jackets.
Allergy shots aren’t available for food allergies or long-lasting cases of hives, also called urticaria.
