Allergen Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy (commonly called allergy shots or allergy drops) is a form of treatment to reduce how sensitive a person is to specific allergens.
Allergy shots consists of a series of injections (shots) with a solution containing the allergens that cause your symptoms. Treatment usually begins with a weak solution given once or twice a week. The strength of the solution is gradually increased with each dose. Once the strongest dosage is reached, the injections are often given once a month to control symptoms. At that point a person has reached their maintenance level. Allergy shots should always be given at your healthcare provider’s office.
Allergy drops are similar to allergy shots in how they reduce the sensitivity of a person to specific antigens. Rather than introducing the antigens into you by a shot, drops consisting of these same antigens are placed under the tongue once a day and held for two minutes. The length of treatment is typically the same as that of allergy shots. Some advantages to drops include the ability to use the drops at home and ability of young children to tolerate the drops.
Though not technically a cure, immunotherapy, both allergy shots and allergy drops, can significantly reduce allergy symptoms in some people who are unable to avoid allergens, would like to minimize the frequency of allergy medication use and who do not tolerate or respond well to allergy medications.
Research has shown that allergy shots can reduce symptoms of:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
- grass, weed and tree pollen allergies
- Allergic asthma
- Dust mites allergy
- Animal dander allergy
- Insect sting allergy
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Immunotherapy may be slightly less effective against molds and are not a useful method for the treatment of food allergy.
When To Consider Immunotherapy
If you are considering Immunotherapy ask your healthcare provider about a referral to one of our allergy providers.
- The doctor will ask you questions about your history, environment and symptoms. This will help determine if skin testing is needed. Prick skin testing and / or intradermal skin testing may be done. This will help identify the specific allergens that are causing your symptoms.
- Once an allergy has been identified, the next step is to decrease or eliminate exposure to the allergen. This is called environmental control. Evidence shows that allergy and asthma symptoms may improve over time, if the recommended environmental control changes are made. For example, following control measures for house dust mites and pet dander may decrease symptoms. Preventing your contact with grasses, weeds and tree pollen may be more difficult. Closing outside doors and windows and using air conditioning decreases exposure in the home.
- Next, your healthcare provider may recommend medication. Antihistamines and nasal medications may be recommended. Allergy shots may be recommended for people with severe allergy symptoms. They may also be recommended for people with allergic asthma. Allergy shots can be particularly helpful when the problematic allergens cannot be avoided; people are experiencing complications from their allergic rhinitis including recurrent sinus infections or ear infections; people do not tolerate allergy medications or have found that despite their allergy medications, their symptoms remain uncontrolled.
Length Of Time
Six months to a year of allergy shots may be required before you notice any improvement in symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve after this time, ask your allergist to review your overall treatment program. If the treatment is effective, medical evidence indicates that the shots should continue for five years. In general, allergy shots should be stopped if they are not effective within two to three years.
Alternatives
There are a number of alternative treatments that claim to “cure” allergies. These methods are not supported by scientific studies, and they are not approved by the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology or the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy. Unapproved alternative treatments include:
- High-dose vitamin and mineral therapy
- Urine injections
- Bacterial vaccines
- Exotic diets
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed or confused by the many different methods of allergy testing and treatment. It is best to work with one of our allergy providers to evaluate and determine what is appropriate for you.
Call 920-969-1768 to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions about Allergen Immunotherapy
Do allergy shots hurt?
Allergy shots cause only mild, brief discomfort rather than significant pain. They’re given just under the skin with a very small needle, so most people feel a quick pinch similar to or milder than a routine vaccination. Some notice temporary redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site that usually fades within a few hours. Because doses start weak and increase slowly, the process is designed to stay tolerable, and the allergy providers at ENT Specialists of Wisconsin monitor you after each shot.
What are the possible side effects of allergy shots?
The most common side effects of allergy shots are local reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or itching. Less often, people have systemic reactions like sneezing, hives, or nasal congestion, and severe whole-body reactions are rare but possible. Because of that small risk, shots are always given in a medical office and you’re observed for about 30 minutes afterward. If you’ve reacted before, tell the team at ENT Specialists of Wisconsin so your dose can be adjusted safely.
Allergy shots vs. allergy drops: how do I choose which is right for me?
Allergy shots and allergy drops work the same way, so the choice usually comes down to age, lifestyle, and how you feel about needles. Shots are given in the office and have the longest track record, while drops are taken under the tongue at home once a day, which many families prefer for young children or busy schedules. Your history and triggers also matter, and the allergy providers at ENT Specialists of Wisconsin can help you weigh both after testing.
Are allergy shots safe during pregnancy?
Allergy shots are generally considered safe to continue during pregnancy if you were already on a stable maintenance dose before becoming pregnant. Most providers do not start immunotherapy or raise the dose while you’re pregnant, since the build-up phase carries a slightly higher chance of reaction. If you become pregnant during treatment, tell your provider so your plan can be reviewed. Always confirm timing with the team at ENT Specialists of Wisconsin and your obstetrician.
Can children get allergy shots, and at what age?
Children can receive allergy shots, and treatment typically begins around age five, once a child can cooperate and describe how they feel. Younger children are often better suited to allergy drops, which are easier to tolerate at home. Testing usually comes first, so many families start with allergy skin testing to confirm the specific triggers before choosing shots or drops. Providers at ENT Specialists of Wisconsin match the approach to each child’s age and needs.
Do the benefits of allergy shots last after I stop treatment?
Yes, for many people the benefits of allergy shots last for years after treatment ends. A full course of roughly three to five years can build lasting tolerance, so symptoms often stay improved even once the shots stop. Results vary, and some people notice a gradual return of symptoms and may benefit from a repeat course. Your provider tracks your response over time to decide when it’s appropriate to stop, following the five-year course this page describes.
If allergy shots don't treat food allergies, what are my options?
Because allergy shots don’t treat food allergies, management focuses on accurate diagnosis, avoidance, and a clear emergency plan. The first step is confirming the specific food trigger through testing and, when appropriate, supervised food challenges. From there, your provider builds a written food allergy action plan covering label reading, avoidance, and how to respond to a reaction, including when to use epinephrine. The team at ENT Specialists of Wisconsin can evaluate which approach fits your situation.
Do I need allergy shots year-round in Wisconsin, or only during allergy season?
Once you reach the maintenance phase, allergy shots are usually continued year-round in Wisconsin, not just during allergy season. Ongoing dosing is what keeps your immune system tolerant, so stopping between seasons can reduce the benefit. During heavy tree pollen in spring or ragweed in fall, your provider may fine-tune the plan if symptoms flare. Confirm your schedule with ENT Specialists of Wisconsin so treatment stays on track through every season.
Are allergy drops a better option if I live far from an Appleton-area clinic?
Allergy drops can be a practical option if you live far from an Appleton-area office, because they’re taken at home once a day instead of requiring regular in-office injections. Shots need frequent visits during the build-up phase, which can be difficult with a long commute, while drops reduce that travel. Both work similarly for environmental allergies. Ask the providers at ENT Specialists of Wisconsin whether drops suit your triggers and which of the eight locations is most convenient.
Where can I get allergy shots near Appleton, WI?
You can get allergy shots near Appleton at ENT Specialists of Wisconsin, which offers allergen immunotherapy alongside testing and asthma care across northeast Wisconsin. The practice has three Appleton offices on Grant Street, Meade Street, and Westhill Boulevard, plus locations in De Pere, Neenah, Oshkosh, Shawano, and Waupaca. Board-certified physicians and allergy-trained providers create a plan around your specific triggers. To start with an evaluation, call ENT Specialists of Wisconsin at (920) 969-1768.