When allergy symptoms become unbearable despite medication and environmental control measures, allergy shots (immunotherapy) may also be a treatment option for you. Allergy shots involve giving gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a patient is allergic. The increasing doses cause the patient to be less sensitive, or allergic, probably by producing a “blocking” antibody.

Allergy shots for inhalants such as pollens and dust mites are typically given weekly until a maintenance level is achieved, which is usually in approximately 6 months. At maintenance doses the shots are generally given monthly for 3-7 years.

Allergy shots can also be life-saving for those who have severe reactions to the hymenoptera (bees, yellow-jackets, wasps, and hornets).