IMMUNOTHERAPY Immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is an effective vaccination program that increases immunity to substances called allergens that trigger allergy symptoms. Allergen immunotherapy involves administering gradually increasing amounts of an allergen to a patient over several months. The injections are first given on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, and when the maintenance level is reached, eventually on a monthly basis. This process reduces symptoms that are otherwise triggered by allergen exposure. The injection contains a very small amount of the substance to which you have reacted. This may include pollens from weeds, grasses and trees, molds, house dust and dust mites. When you receive a small injection of the allergen to which you are sensitive, your body will make protective antibodies against the allergen. These antibodies will help block the effects of the allergen when you come in contact with it. The antibodies will block your reaction so that your symptoms will become less severe or may even disappear over time. Allergy shots are safe. Because you are receiving a small amount of the substance to which you are allergic, an allergic reaction may occur from the shot. One kind of reactions may be a slight swelling of the site where the shot is administered. Other reactions may include a mild flare of your allergic symptoms. Rarely, a person might have severe reactions. This type of reaction is called anaphylaxis and may be very serious. For this reason we advise that you wait in our office for 20 to 30 minutes after receiving an injection. We do not recommend giving your injections at home. Usually, immunotherapy is recommended for three to five years for best results. While you may begin to feel better after a few injections, it usually takes four to six months of immunotherapy before you may notice significant relief of your symptoms.