Allergy Shots

Q: How Long Does It Take for Allergy Shots To Work?

Patients should begin to see some improvement in symptoms during the build-up stage, though they will not happen immediately. The most significant results typically occur during the second year in the maintenance stage. After the third year, many patients no longer experience significant allergic reactions. Other patients, however, may need ongoing treatment.

Q: How Effective Are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots can be over 90 percent effective when administered correctly by a medical professional. Results will vary from patient to patient and from one condition to the next.

Q: Do Allergy Shots Lower Your Immune System?

Allergy shots focus on a very particular immune response. While they are designed to ‘lower’ that immune response, they do not affect the overall function and well-being of the immune system.

Immunotherapy includes allergy injections and gradually exposes the body to an allergen so it 'learns' not to react. Similar to a vaccination, which exposes the body to a little amount of a pathogen to establish immunity.

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Doctor preparing injection for an allergy shot

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy, and the idea behind them is simple. They gently expose your body to tiny amounts of what you’re allergic to, so that over time your immune system learns to stop treating it like a threat. It’s the same principle as a vaccine: a small, controlled exposure that helps your body build a lasting response.

Treatment usually happens in two phases:

Build-up phase: You’ll come in for shots one to two times a week while your allergist slowly increases the dose. This typically lasts three to six months.

Maintenance phase: Once you reach your target dose, visits stretch out to about once a month and continue for three to five years.

Many people start noticing fewer, milder symptoms during the build-up phase, and relief tends to keep improving the longer they stay with it. Allergy shots are one type of immunotherapy.

Prefer to skip needles? If needles really aren’t your thing, allergy drops (taken under the tongue at home) may be an option worth asking about.

Types of Allergies & Conditions that Allergy Shots Can Treat

Allergy shots work especially well for allergies you breathe in, and for the conditions those allergies tend to set off. They’re also used to help manage allergic rhinitis (hay fever), allergic asthma, eye allergies, and insect sting allergies.

Not sure what’s actually triggering your symptoms? Allergy testing can pinpoint your specific triggers so your plan is built around you.

Allergies

Pet Allergies

Any animal with fur or feathers can cause allergies, and symptoms can vary from person to person.

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Allergies

Pollen Allergies

Pollen allergy “hay fever” symptoms are triggered by pollens from trees and plants, which can range from very mild to severe.

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Allergies

Dust Mite Allergies

Dust mites are microscopic insects that thrive in warm, humid environments and often trigger an allergic reaction.

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Allergies

Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, is a common inflammatory condition of the nasal passages caused by an overreaction of the immune system to allergens such as pollen (from trees, grasses, and weeds), dust mites, animal dander & mold.

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What To Expect During Allergy Shots

What to Expect at Your Allergy Shot Appointment

A standing appointment can sound like a lot, so here’s the honest version of what it looks like.

Each visit is quick, usually just a few minutes for the shot itself. Afterward, you’ll stay in the office for about 15–30 minutes so your care team can make sure you’re feeling good before you head out.

That short wait is the most important part of the visit, and it’s exactly why allergy shots are given with us rather than on your own.

Phase 1

Build-up phase

1–2 short visits a week

For about three to six months, as your allergist gradually builds your dose.

Phase 2

Maintenance phase

Roughly one visit a month

Continuing for three to five years, once you reach your target dose.

It’s a commitment, but a manageable one, as most people find a visit fits into a lunch break.

See what to expect as an AllerVie patient

How to Prepare for Your Visit

Check in about your medications

Some people take an antihistamine before a shot to ease reactions. Ask your allergist what’s right for you, and don’t start or stop any medication without checking first.

Skip the hard workout beforehand

Intense exercise right before a shot can move the medication through your body too quickly. Give yourself a couple of hours of downtime before and after.

Speak up if you’re feeling off

Let your care team know if you’re sick, run-down, or having asthma symptoms before a shot. It helps them keep every visit safe.

01

Check in about your medications

Some people take an antihistamine before a shot to ease reactions. Ask your allergist what’s right for you, and don’t start or stop any medication without checking first.

02

Skip the hard workout beforehand

Intense exercise right before a shot can move the medication through your body too quickly. Give yourself a couple of hours of downtime before and after.

03

Speak up if you’re feeling off

Let your care team know if you’re sick, run-down, or having asthma symptoms before a shot. It helps them keep every visit safe.

Ready to Start Allergy Shot Treatment?

Allergy shots may help reduce symptoms over time by addressing your specific allergy triggers. Schedule an appointment to find out if immunotherapy is right for you.

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Side effects of allergy shots

As with any medical intervention, allergy immunotherapy can involve some side effects, which can include:

Local Reactions (Most Common)

Patients may develop redness, irritation or swelling at the site of the shot. These local reactions are common and do not typically last longer than a few hours.

Systemic Reactions (Least Common)

Systemic reactions manifest through sneezing, congestion or even hives. In severe cases, patients may experience swelling in the throat and wheezing.

Anaphylaxis (Extremely Rare)

A patient may go into anaphylactic shock after an allergy shot. This is a life-threatening condition that involves low blood pressure and difficulty breathing.

*Anyone experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis should seek out medical care immediately.

How To Know It’s Time To Try Allergy Shots

Allergy shots are not right for every patient. Any patient considering allergy shots should consult with their doctor or allergist to discuss their options. How can you know if allergy shots are right for you? Patients are a good fit for allergy shots if they:

Have a condition that can be treated with allergy shots
Wish to reduce long-term use of allergy medications
Have no fear of needles
Have no control over exposure to an allergen (i.e. insect sting allergy)
Have had little success with controlling symptoms via medications

Allergy Shots