What Are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots, also called allergen immunotherapy, are long-term treatments that help reduce your immune system’s sensitivity to common allergens. Instead of just masking symptoms, allergy shots gradually “train” your body to stop overreacting by introducing small amounts of the allergen through regular injections. 

What Types of Allergies Do They Treat?

Allergy shots work wonders for seasonal allergies (like pollen), year-round triggers (dust mites, pet dander), and even allergy-induced asthma. While they don’t treat food allergies, they’re a powerful solution for environmental allergens that often disrupt the lives of many San Antonio residents. 

Top Allergy Shot Benefits

If you’re tired of planning your life around seasonal or environmental triggers, allergy shots could be your breakthrough. Let’s explore the real, lasting benefits that make immunotherapy for allergies such a smart, empowering choice:

Benefit 1: Long-Term Relief from Allergy Symptoms

Allergy shots go deeper than surface-level fixes. While medications like antihistamines simply block symptoms for a few hours, immunotherapy helps your immune system stop overreacting to allergens in the first place. Over time, this builds real tolerance, offering lasting relief even after your shots end.

Benefit 2: Reduced Dependence on Daily Medications

Many allergy sufferers find that after completing a round of allergy shots, they no longer need daily pills or sprays. That means fewer side effects, like drowsiness and dry mouth, and more freedom from managing a drawer full of over-the-counter meds. This can also help you save time and money. 

Benefit 3: Treatment Coverage for Multiple Allergens

If you’re dealing with more than one allergy, allergy shots have you covered. From pollen and pet dander to mold and dust mites, these shots can target multiple allergens at once. That’s a game-changer for anyone juggling complex triggers. 

Benefit 4: Prevention of Asthma Development and Worsening

Allergy shots may also protect your lungs. For people with allergy-related asthma or those at risk of developing it, immunotherapy has been shown to reduce symptoms and even help prevent asthma from taking hold, especially in children and teens.

Benefit 5: Safe and Natural Immune System Desensitization

Allergy shots use tiny, carefully measured amounts of the allergen to gradually retrain your immune system. Essentially, it teaches your body not to panic when encountering pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust mites. It’s a natural, step-by-step process that works with your body, not against it.

Benefit 6: Improvements in Quality of Life

Better sleep, sharper focus, and more energy are just a few of the things patients often experience once their allergy symptoms are under control. Without constant congestion or brain fog, many people find they’re more productive and more present in their daily lives. 

Benefit 7: Long-Term Cost Savings

Yes, allergy shots are an investment, and they pay off. With fewer doctor visits, emergency allergy flare-ups, and pharmacy runs, you can have substantial savings in the long term. It’s not just better health; it’s better value.

Who Should Consider Allergy Shots?

You may be a good fit for allergy shots if: 

• You have moderate to severe allergic rhinitis that won’t quit, no matter the season.
• You deal with allergy-triggered asthma and want better control of your breathing.
• You’ve had severe reactions to insect stings and want lasting protection.
• You don’t get enough relief from medications or want to stop depending on daily allergy treatments.
• You’re looking for a long-term solution instead of temporary symptom relief.

What You Can Expect

If you’re wondering, “Do allergy shots really work?” – the answer is yes, but it takes some time and commitment. The treatment happens in two key phases: 

Phases of Treatment: Build-Up and Maintenance

• Build-Up Phase: You’ll get shots one to two times per week, with gradually increasing doses. This phase usually lasts three to six months. However, for added convenience, accelerated build-up options such as "Rush" or "Cluster" immunotherapy are available, which can shorten this phase to just a few weeks instead of months.
• Maintenance Phase: Once the right dose is reached, you’ll switch to shots every two to four weeks. This phase continues for three to five years.

Typical Timeline for Symptom Improvement

• Some people start feeling better within three to six months of treatment.
• Others may need a full year before noticing significant changes, especially if they’re treating multiple allergens. 
• Over time, most patients experience fewer symptoms and rely less on daily medications, which can help improve sleep quality, focus, and overall energy levels.   

To get started on the path to relief, getting allergy testing in San Antonio is a great first step. It can help pinpoint your specific triggers and guide the most effective treatment plan for you.

Risks and Side Effects

“Are allergy shots effective if they come with side effects?” 

It’s a common question, and yes, allergy shots have side effects, but severe reactions are rare. For most people, the benefits far outweigh the risks.

Some of its common side effects include:

• Mild swelling, redness, or itching at the injection site
• Occasional sneezing or nasal stuffiness after the shot

These reactions are usually short-lived and show that your immune system is responding. 

Rare but serious reactions:

• Severe allergic reactions may include wheezing, chest tightness, or dizziness (anaphylaxis).
• Systemic reactions that affect more than just the injection site.

Your provider will monitor you for 30 minutes after each shot to make sure you’re doing well before you leave.

Experience Real Relief Ahead

Allergy shots do more than just calm your symptoms. They transform your life for the better. By tackling the root cause of your allergies, these tiny shots can bring you big changes: fewer symptoms, less medication, and more freedom to enjoy your life without constantly checking pollen counts or carrying over-the-counter medications.

Still unsure if allergy shots are right for you? Let’s find out together. Schedule a consultation with our Apex Allergy and Asthma specialists today and experience lasting relief and healthier seasons ahead. 

Discover the Power of Allergy Shots

Frequently Asked Questions