Patient Education
Allergy shots (immunotherapy)
Long-term relief by treating the root cause, not just the symptoms.
What is immunotherapy?
Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a treatment that gradually desensitizes your immune system to the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Unlike medication that only suppresses symptoms, immunotherapy can provide long-lasting relief — often years after treatment ends.
How it works
Tiny, carefully increasing amounts of your specific allergens are introduced over time. Your immune system learns to tolerate them, reducing or eliminating your allergic response.
Build-up phase
Injections are given 1–2 times per week for 3–6 months, with each dose slightly stronger than the last.
Maintenance phase
Once the target dose is reached, injections spread out to about once a month. The maintenance phase typically lasts up to 5 years for long-term benefit.
Timeline
A typical course is about 5 years total. Many patients notice improvement within the first few months of maintenance.
Side effects and safety
Most reactions are mild and localized. Because there is a small risk of a systemic reaction, all patients wait 30 minutes after each injection under our supervision.
How it differs from medication
Allergy medication controls symptoms day to day but stops working when you stop taking it. Immunotherapy changes how your immune system responds, offering the potential for lasting relief even after treatment ends.
Have questions about your symptoms?
Our team is here to help. Request an appointment or call us today.