Allergy shots, or allergen immunotherapy injections, are an effective form of treatment for environmental allergies such as pollen, dust, molds, pet dander, and insect venom. By training your immune system to tolerate the things you are allergic to, allergy shots can help you achieve long-term relief from your symptoms.
How Many Shots Will I Need to Get?
Allergy shots contain a tiny amount of the substance you are allergic to, such as pet dander, pollen, or dust. This amount will be enough to stimulate an immune response, but not enough to trigger a full allergic reaction. As the dose is gradually increased, your body builds up a resistance to the substance. At first, you will be getting a shot once or twice a week. While the dose is being increased, you will be getting about one shot per week. Once you have reached the maximum dose, the frequency will decrease until you are getting about one shot a month.