What are Allergy Shots?

Allergy Immunotherapy
Allergy shots are a long-term treatment designed to help the immune system become less sensitive to environmental allergens over time. Small amounts of allergens are gradually introduced into the body through injections to help build tolerance and reduce allergic reactions.

The serum used for immunotherapy is personalized for each patient and is specially made based on individual allergy testing results, symptoms, and provider evaluation.

Many patients experience fewer allergy symptoms, decreased reliance on medications, and improved quality of life throughout treatment.

Immunotherapy is typically a 3-year commitment and works best when injections are received consistently as recommended by the provider. Treatment usually begins with a build-up phase followed by a maintenance phase once the target dose is reached.

How to Get Started on Allergy Shots
There are two ways to begin allergy immunotherapy treatment: Regular Therapy and Rush Therapy.

Regular Therapy

Regular therapy is available for patients between the ages of 6–11 years old. Treatment begins with an office visit where allergy shot guidelines, treatment expectations, and the immunotherapy process are reviewed in detail. The patient will then be evaluated by the provider and receive their first injection.

After starting treatment, patients typically come into the office twice weekly while gradually building up their dose until reaching approximately the middle of the green vial phase.

Rush Therapy

Patients ages 12 and older may qualify for Rush Therapy, a faster method of reaching maintenance dosing. During rush therapy, patients set aside 3 consecutive days (day 1:purple vial, day 2: silver vial. day 3: green vial) and remain in the office from approximately 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM each day while receiving a series of injections every 20 minutes under close medical supervision.

By the completion of the third day, most patients are able to transition to once-weekly injections instead of twice weekly visits.

Why Rush Therapy is Encouraged

Rush therapy is highly encouraged because it allows patients to reach maintenance dosing more quickly, helping them begin experiencing symptom improvement sooner while also reducing the number of weekly office visits required during the build-up phase. Many patients find rush therapy to be more convenient, efficient, and easier to maintain with busy schedules.

What To Expect foryour scheduled Rush Therapy

Rush/Cluster: The frequency of your injections varies according to your schedule. Rapid desensitization allows for a series of shots with incremental doses to be administered over 1-3 days, which may have been given over a few weeks. You may be pre-medicated with oral antihistamines and oral steroids. Spirometry will be done initially. Vital signs will be observed throughout your stay, before starting the desensitization and 20-30 minutes after each shot. After each shot is given it is imperative that you wait for 20-30 minutes before the next shot is administered. After a period of 80-120 minutes, you may be discharged if stable.