What are Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, are a great long-term treatment for your allergies. Allergy shots consist of a series of shots containing allergens to which you are allergic to administered in the office.
During the initial build-up phase, allergy shots are typically given every 7 days. Each with gradually increasing doses until a maintenance dose is achieved. This build-up phase typically takes 4-6 months. Certain patients may qualify for a more accelerated build-up by completing Cluster Shots.
Once a maintenance dose is reached, allergy shots are then typically continued for 3-5 years. During the maintenance phase of allergen immunotherapy, the shots are generally given on a monthly basis.
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The allergy shots are given subcutaneously (just under the skin), so they are not significantly painful. Allergy shots are given as treatment for pollens such as trees, grasses, weeds, and ragweed, as well as animals like dogs and cats. Additionally, dust mites and mold allergies are also effectively treated with allergy shots.
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Allergen immunotherapy is effective for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. Allergy shots are used in treating adults and children as young as five years of age. This type of therapy is unique in that it can prevent and potentially cure your allergies even after the discontinuation of allergy shots. Studies have shown that allergen immunotherapy can decrease the requirement for other allergy medications in both allergic rhinitis and asthma.
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For patients transferring from the recently closed Spokane Allergy & Asthma Clinic or outside allergy clinic, when your current vials expire, you will need to have allergy testing repeated to discuss continuation or stopping of allergy shots. If immunotherapy (allergy shots) is continued, you may be required to restart immunotherapy through the buildup of the shots back to maintenance dosing. It may take 4-5 months to return to monthly maintenance therapy.
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What more information about allergy shots? Learn more from the links below: