Allergy Shots (Allergen Immunotherapy)

What are allergy shots?

Allergy shots are a treatment that can help to prevent or minimize allergic reactions. They are personalized to each patient—the shots are only useful when specific allergy triggers have been identified. Allergy shots are received on a schedule, over a period of several years.

What allergy shots are used for

Common allergic symptoms are sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or asthma attacks. Allergy symptoms are caused by your body's reaction to a substance (allergen) that is inhaled, touched or eaten. Allergens cause no symptoms in a non-allergic person, but in an allergic person who is sensitized to that antigen, an immune reaction against the allergen causes symptoms.