Asthma and Allergy > Allergies > Treatments > Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy (allergy shots)

Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a treatment that can reduce allergy symptoms for some people. Before allergy shots are started, skin testing is done to identify the specific allergens that are causing your symptoms.

Allergy shots can be effective against:

• pollen
• dust mites
• animal dander
• insect stings

Allergy shots are less effective against mold and cannot be used to treat food allergies.

Allergy shots contain a small amount of the substance to which you are allergic. Receiving these shots helps you become desensitized to the allergen, which means your body will stop having an allergic reaction to the substance.

During the first four months to six months, injections usually are given weekly and your dosage will gradually increase until you reach the top dosage, or “maintenance” dosage. After the maintenance dosage has been reached, injections usually are given every two weeks or sometimes every four weeks.

It takes six months to a year to notice improvement in allergy symptoms. If the shots are helping, immunotherapy is continued for three to five years.

Allergy shots and pregnancy

If you are being treated with allergy shots, they usually can be continued carefully during pregnancy, though your dosage may need to be lowered. Immunotherapy is not started during pregnancy.