Urgent care near me Key points
- Allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) change how the immune system responds to allergens — unlike medications that only relieve symptoms temporarily, they can provide lasting benefit.
- Treatment has two phases: a buildup phase (weekly injections over 3–6 months) and a maintenance phase (injections every 2–4 weeks for 3–5 years).
- You must stay at the clinic 20–30 minutes after every injection so staff can monitor and treat any allergic reaction, including rare but possible anaphylaxis.
- Allergy shots are most effective for environmental allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold) and insect venom — they are not used for food allergies.
- Most major insurance plans cover allergy shots when medically indicated. Check with your insurer before starting since the multi-year treatment course involves many office visits.
Allergy shots — also called allergen immunotherapy — are a long-term treatment that reduces the immune system's sensitivity to allergens. Unlike antihistamines and other medications that relieve symptoms temporarily, immunotherapy changes how your immune system responds to allergens over time, providing lasting benefit for many patients.1
What are allergy shots?
Allergy shots work by exposing your immune system to gradually increasing doses of the specific allergens that trigger your symptoms. Over time, this process — called desensitization — reduces the severity of allergic reactions and can provide long-lasting relief even after treatment ends.1
Common allergens that allergy shots can address include:
- Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds (hay fever)
- Dust mites
- Mold spores
- Pet dander (cats, dogs)
- Insect venom (bees, wasps, hornets)
Allergy shots are not appropriate for food allergies. They are typically recommended after allergy testing confirms the specific triggers causing your symptoms.2
How allergy shots work
Allergen immunotherapy proceeds in two phases:1,3
Buildup phase
During the buildup phase, you receive injections one to two times per week with gradually increasing doses of allergen extract. This phase typically lasts three to six months. The goal is to slowly acclimate your immune system to the allergen, reducing sensitivity while minimizing the risk of reactions.
Maintenance phase
Once the effective dose is reached, you transition to the maintenance phase. Injections are given less frequently — typically every two to four weeks. Most patients continue maintenance shots for three to five years. Many people experience continued symptom relief even after completing the full course of treatment.
The allergen extract used in your shots is custom-compounded based on your specific allergy test results, ensuring the treatment targets the allergens that affect you.1
Who is a good candidate for allergy shots?
Allergy shots are most appropriate for people who:2,3
- Have moderate to severe allergy symptoms that are not well-controlled by medications
- Experience side effects from allergy medications that limit their use
- Want to reduce long-term dependence on daily allergy medications
- Have allergic asthma triggered by environmental allergens
- Have had a severe allergic reaction to an insect sting (venom immunotherapy is highly effective)
An allergist or immunologist determines candidacy through a comprehensive evaluation including medical history and skin or blood allergy testing.
Side effects of allergy shots
Local reactions (common)
The most common side effects occur at the injection site and are generally mild:3
- Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
- A small raised bump that typically resolves within a few hours
Systemic reactions (less common)
Systemic reactions affect areas beyond the injection site and require prompt attention. These can include:3
- Nasal congestion or sneezing
- Hives or skin rash
- Wheezing or coughing
- Throat tightness or shortness of breath
- Drop in blood pressure, increased heart rate, or dizziness
Anaphylaxis — a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction — is rare but possible. This is why you are required to stay at the clinic for 20–30 minutes after each injection. Epinephrine is available to treat severe reactions immediately if they occur.3
How to prepare for allergy shots
Before starting immunotherapy, your allergist will perform allergy testing (skin prick test or specific IgE blood test) to identify your triggers and create your custom allergen extract.1
Before each injection appointment:
- Inform your provider of any new medications, illnesses, or changes in your health
- Avoid vigorous exercise for a few hours before and after your shot — physical activity increases blood flow and can raise the risk of a reaction
- Tell your provider if your symptoms have worsened since your last visit
Do not skip or delay scheduled shots without checking with your allergist — significant gaps can require restarting the buildup phase.
How much do allergy shots cost?
The total cost of allergy immunotherapy varies based on the provider, your geographic location, and your insurance coverage. Most major health insurance plans cover allergy shots when medically indicated, but out-of-pocket costs for copays and office visits can add up over the multi-year treatment course.3
Ask your allergist's office for a cost estimate before starting, and contact your insurer to understand your specific coverage, deductible, and copay structure for immunotherapy visits.
When to seek care
Seek immediate medical attention during or after an allergy shot if you experience:3
- Tightness in the throat or difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest tightness
- Hives or widespread skin flushing
- Dizziness, fainting, or a rapid drop in blood pressure
These may be signs of anaphylaxis, which requires epinephrine and emergency care. Contact your allergist if your allergy symptoms do not improve after several months of maintenance dosing — your treatment protocol may need adjustment.
Frequently asked questions
How long do allergy shots take to work?
Many patients notice improvement in symptoms within the first year of immunotherapy, but the full benefit typically develops over two to three years of maintenance shots. Some people continue to experience relief even years after completing their full course of treatment.
Do allergy shots hurt?
Allergy shots involve a small needle injection, similar to other subcutaneous shots. Most people experience only mild discomfort. The most common reaction is temporary redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few hours.
Can I stop allergy shots early?
Stopping early may reduce the long-term benefit of treatment. Most allergists recommend completing at least three to five years of maintenance therapy for durable results. Talk to your allergist before stopping — do not simply miss appointments, as significant gaps may require restarting the buildup phase.
What is the difference between allergy shots and allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy)?
Allergy shots are injected under the skin and administered in a clinical setting. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is taken as drops or tablets under the tongue and can often be taken at home. Both work by desensitizing the immune system. Your allergist can advise which is more appropriate for your specific allergies and lifestyle.
Are allergy shots covered by insurance?
Most major health insurance plans cover allergy shots when they are medically indicated and ordered by a physician. Coverage varies by plan — contact your insurer to understand your specific copay, deductible, and visit limits before beginning treatment.
Who should not get allergy shots?
Allergy shots may not be appropriate for people with severe or uncontrolled asthma, certain heart conditions, or those taking beta-blockers (which can interfere with treatment of reactions). Pregnancy is another consideration — shots are generally continued but not started during pregnancy. Your allergist will review your full medical history before recommending immunotherapy.
How we reviewed this article
Medically reviewed
View this article's sources and history, and read more about Solv's Content Mission Statement, editorial process, and editorial team.
3 sources
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
- American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Allergy shots . aaaai.org. Accessed May 2026. (immunotherapy)
- Mayo Clinic. Allergy shots. mayoclinic.org. Accessed May 2026.
- Cleveland Clinic. Allergy shots. my.clevelandclinic.org. Accessed May 2026.
Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.
July 08 2024
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
May 06 2026
Edited by Solv Editorial Team
May 20 2026
Edited by Solv Editorial Team
May 23 2026
Edited by Solv Editorial Team
June 03 2026
Edited by Solv Editorial Team
