What Are Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots, known clinically as allergen immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment designed to reduce your sensitivity to specific allergens. Unlike antihistamines and nasal sprays that only mask symptoms, allergy shots address the root cause of your allergic reactions by gradually training your immune system to tolerate substances that previously triggered a response.
At Discovery Medical Center, Dr. Sam McGough and Dr. Elizabeth Owings work with patients throughout Huntsville and North Alabama to determine whether allergen immunotherapy is the right treatment path. The process begins with comprehensive allergy testing to identify your specific triggers, followed by a customized injection protocol tailored to your results.
How Do Allergy Shots Work?
Allergy shots work by exposing your body to gradually increasing doses of the allergens that cause your symptoms. Each injection contains a tiny, controlled amount of the allergen extract. Over time, this repeated exposure shifts your immune response away from producing the IgE antibodies responsible for allergic reactions and toward a more balanced immune profile.
Think of it as building a tolerance. With each injection, your body becomes slightly less reactive. Eventually, exposure to pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, or other environmental allergens produces little to no symptomatic response.
Immunotherapy is particularly effective for patients dealing with seasonal allergies, perennial allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and stinging insect allergies. It is not currently used to treat food allergies, though testing can help identify food sensitivities that may complicate your overall allergy profile.
The Two Phases of Allergy Shot Treatment
Build-Up Phase
The build-up phase typically lasts three to six months. During this period, you receive injections one to two times per week, with each dose containing a slightly higher concentration of allergen extract than the last. The goal is to reach your “maintenance dose,” the therapeutic level at which your immune system begins to shift its response.
Each visit requires a brief wait of 20 to 30 minutes after the injection so our clinical team can monitor you for any adverse reactions.
Maintenance Phase
Once you reach your target dose, you transition to the maintenance phase. Injection frequency decreases to once every two to four weeks. This phase typically continues for three to five years, though the exact duration depends on your individual response and the severity of your allergies.
Most patients begin noticing meaningful symptom improvement within the first year of treatment, with maximum benefit often achieved during the second and third years.
How Long Do Allergy Shots Take?
The full course of allergen immunotherapy generally spans three to five years. While that may sound like a significant commitment, the results can be lasting. Many patients experience sustained relief for years after completing treatment, and some achieve permanent reduction in their allergy symptoms.
Each appointment itself is relatively quick. The injection takes only a few minutes, followed by the standard observation period. Most patients are in and out of the office within 30 to 45 minutes per visit.
Ready to find out if allergy shots are right for you? Call Discovery Medical Center at (256) 533-2900 to schedule a consultation.
Allergy Shot Cost: What to Expect
The cost of allergy shots varies depending on several factors, including the number of allergens being treated, your insurance coverage, and the length of your treatment plan.
Without insurance, patients can expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 per year when factoring in the cost of allergen extracts and office visits. With insurance, most major plans cover allergen immunotherapy with a standard specialist copay per visit. Many patients find that the long-term savings on medications, urgent care visits, and missed work days make immunotherapy a cost-effective investment.
Our team at Discovery Medical Center can verify your insurance benefits and provide a clear estimate of your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Have questions about insurance coverage for allergy shots? Contact our office at (256) 533-2900 and our staff will be happy to help.
Allergy Shot Side Effects
Allergy shots are considered safe and well-tolerated by the vast majority of patients. The most common side effects are mild and localized, including redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. These reactions typically resolve within a few hours.
Systemic reactions such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or hives are less common but can occur, particularly during the build-up phase. Severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, are rare but are the reason every patient is monitored in the office after each injection.
Dr. McGough and Dr. Owings follow established safety protocols for every immunotherapy patient, and our clinical staff is trained to respond immediately in the unlikely event of a serious reaction.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Allergy Shots?
You may be a good candidate for allergen immunotherapy if you experience moderate to severe allergy symptoms that are not adequately controlled with medications, if you want to reduce your long-term dependence on allergy drugs, or if your allergies significantly affect your quality of life.
Candidates must first undergo allergy testing to confirm which allergens are responsible for their symptoms. This diagnostic step ensures that your immunotherapy serum targets the correct triggers for maximum effectiveness.
To learn more about our allergy shot program and whether immunotherapy is appropriate for your situation, call (256) 533-2900 to book an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for allergy shots to start working?
Most patients begin to notice symptom improvement within six to twelve months of starting treatment. However, the full benefit of immunotherapy typically develops over two to three years of consistent maintenance injections.
Are allergy shots painful?
Allergy shots use a very small needle and are administered just beneath the skin, similar to a flu shot. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch. Discomfort is minimal and short-lived.
Can children receive allergy shots?
Yes. Allergen immunotherapy is approved for children, and starting treatment earlier in life may help prevent the progression of allergic disease, including the development of asthma. A consultation with your provider can determine whether your child is a suitable candidate.
What happens if I miss an allergy shot appointment?
Missing an appointment can slow your progress. If too much time passes between injections, your provider may need to reduce your dose and rebuild gradually to maintain safety. Consistent attendance is important for achieving the best results.
Do allergy shots cure allergies permanently?
Allergy shots do not guarantee a permanent cure, but many patients experience long-lasting relief that persists for years after completing treatment. Some patients may eventually need a second course of therapy if symptoms return.
Discovery Medical Center is located at 415 Church St NW, Suite 1 and 2, Huntsville, AL 35801. Call (256) 533-2900 today to schedule your allergy consultation.
Take the first step toward lasting allergy relief. Contact Discovery Medical Center at (256) 533-2900 to get started with allergy testing and immunotherapy.