Allergen Immunotherapy: What You Need to Know

If you’re tired of sneezing, itching, or watery eyes every spring, you’ve probably heard of allergy shots. Officially called allergen immunotherapy, this treatment slowly trains your immune system to ignore the things that trigger your symptoms. It’s not a quick fix, but many people see big improvements after a few months.

How It Works

Allergen immunotherapy starts with a skin test or a blood test to pinpoint the exact substances that set off your allergies—pollen, dust mites, pet dander, you name it. Once the allergens are identified, the doctor creates a custom mix of tiny amounts of those proteins. You’ll get a series of injections that start with a very low dose, then increase gradually over weeks.

The idea is simple: by exposing your body to small, controlled amounts, your immune system learns not to overreact. Think of it like a fire drill—your body practices the right response before a real emergency hits. Over time, the dose reaches a maintenance level that you’ll keep getting once a week or once a month for several years.

What to Expect

During the build‑up phase, you’ll visit the clinic once or twice a week. Each visit lasts about 15‑20 minutes, and you’ll stay for at least 30 minutes after the injection in case of a mild reaction. Most people only feel a brief itching or swelling at the injection site; serious side effects are rare.

Once you hit the maintenance stage, appointments become less frequent—often every two to four weeks. Many patients report fewer allergy symptoms, reduced need for antihistamines, and a better quality of life. Some even see long‑term benefits after they stop the therapy.

What’s important is staying consistent. Skipping doses can set back progress, and stopping early may lose the gains you’ve made. Talk to your allergist about any concerns, especially if you’re pregnant, have asthma, or take certain medications that could affect the treatment.

Overall, allergen immunotherapy is a safe, evidence‑backed option for people with moderate to severe allergies who haven’t found relief from pills or nasal sprays. It’s not for everyone, but if you’ve tried other routes without luck, it’s worth a conversation with your doctor.