Effectiveness of Allergy Injections (Allergy Immunotherapy)

What are allergy shots?

With allergy shots, we give very small amounts of your allergens (tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen, cat dander, dog dander, dust mites, molds) in order to reduce your sensitivity to these substances. 

How often are allergy shots given? 

Allergy injections are given typically once weekly for 6 weeks and then once per month for 3-5 years. Typically, after one year on monthly shots allergy symptoms are improved by 85%. Once the 3-5 years of maintenance is completed, patients often have well controlled symptoms for over 10 years. 

There is also an accelerated build up called rapid desensitization or rush therapy. Patients spend two days with us and this will decrease build up from 6 months to approximately 2 months. 

Allergy shots can dramatically decrease symptoms such as nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, sneezing, runny nose, sinus pressure, and sinus infections. Allergy shots help build long lasting immune tolerance rather than masking symptoms with daily allergy medications. 

If allergies are effecting your daily life, sleep, work performance, quality of life, a personalized allergy evaulation can help determine if allergy injections are right for you. 

Author

Dr. Monica Sandhu Dr. Monica Sandhu is a board certified Adult and Pediatric Allergy and Immunology physician. She is the founder of Magnolia Allergy and Asthma located in Dallas and Corsicana, Texas.