ALLERGY SHOTS

Allergy Shots/ Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

What are allergy shots?

Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT or allergy shots) is the injection of allergens to build tolerance. Allergy shots increase your tolerance to bothersome allergens. By injecting gradually increasing doses of the offending allergen extract, the immune system builds up a tolerance to those allergens. Allergy shots slow down and reduce the production of the IgE antibody. You can think of each shot as adding a brick to the “wall of protection” against things that trigger your allergies.

 

What do allergy shots treat?

Allergy shots can be used to control symptoms triggered by:

• Seasonal allergies: If you have seasonal allergic asthma or hay fever symptoms, you may be allergic to pollens released by trees, grasses or weeds.
• Indoor allergens: If you have year-round symptoms, you may be allergic to indoor allergens such as dust mites, cockroaches, mold, or dander from pets like cats or dogs.
• Insect stings: Allergic reactions to insect stings can be triggered by bees, wasps, hornets or yellow jackets.

 

How do allergy shots work?

Allergy shots has two phases: building and maintenance. Building consists of small increases in dosage every 2 to 14 days and continues as patient’s tolerance increases. When building is completed the maintenance phase begins and patients get injections every 14-21 days. Most patients feel some benefit within the first few months of shots but rarely can take up to 12 months to feel some improvement. SCIT generally lasts 3 to 5 years. Reassessments are required the first 3 and 6 months of allergy shots, and annually thereafter.

After 5 years of successful treatment, most patients don't have significant allergy problems even after allergy shots are stopped. A small percentage of people need ongoing shots to keep symptoms under control.

 

Who should get allergy shots?

You may benefit from allergy shots if you:

• Have symptoms not controlled with allergy medications
• Have side effects from allergy medications
• Want to decrease medication use
• Have allergy triggers that you cannot avoid (e.g., pollen, dust, pets)
• Have severe reactions to stinging insects
• Want to spend more time outdoors
• Want a better long-term solution to your allergy and asthma problems

 

Allergy shots are very effective in the treatment of allergic asthma. Over time, they can help your breathing and decrease the need for asthma medications. Allergy shots also benefit patients with eczema or atopic dermatitis, when the condition is associated with environmental allergies.

 

What are the risks of allergy shots?

Most patients do not have major problems with allergy shots. Allergy shots do contain the patient’s allergens so reactions are possible, and can include:

• Local reactions involving redness, swelling, itching or pain at the injection site. These common reactions typically begin within a few hours of the injection and clear up soon after.
• Systemic reactions including anaphylaxis are rare but potentially more serious. You may develop sneezing, nasal congestion or hives. More-severe reactions may include throat swelling, coughing, wheezing or chest tightness. Very rare life-threatening reactions can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, vomiting, and trouble breathing. Anaphylaxis often begins within 30 minutes of the injections but can be delayed by hours.

If you get your shots on a regular schedule without missing doses, you're less likely to have a serious reaction.

Taking antihistamines before getting your allergy shots can reduce the risk of a reaction.

The possibility of a severe reaction is scary — but you won't be on your own. You'll be observed in the doctor's office for 30 minutes after each appointment, when the most serious reactions usually occur. If you have a severe reaction after you leave, administer epinephrine as prescribed and call our office, or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

How do I start allergy shots?

In order to start allergy shots you must have a consultation and testing to figure out your allergies. Please call/text our office at 515-410-9400 In order to start allergy shots you must have a consultation and testing to figure out your allergies. Please call/text our office at 515-410-9400 515-410-9400 515-410-9400 or use our online system to schedule an appointment.

Allergy Shot Appointments

Allergy Shot Hours

Patients must make an appointment for allergy shots. Patients can call at 515-410-9400 Patients must make an appointment for allergy shots. Patients can call at 515-410-9400 515-410-9400 515-410-9400  on the same day to make appointment.

Clinic Policy

We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Please call at 515-410-9400 We have a 24-hour cancellation policy. Please call at 515-410-9400 515-410-9400 515-410-9400  24 hours prior to your appointment to reschedule and/or cancel, otherwise a fee will be billed to you that insurance does not cover. If an unforeseen circumstance has prevented you from following our cancellation policy, please contact our clinic to let us know. No-show fees are to ensure patients access to care.

Tardiness

Please ensure a timely arrival so that each patient can receive their shots at their scheduled time. If you show up later than your scheduled appointment time, you will need to wait for the scheduled patients to receive their injections first. If your appointment is at the end of the working day (i.e., 5:30pm) and you show up late, your appointment will be canceled. 30-minute wait times are required due to the possibility of anaphylaxis.

If you are late 10 minutes or more and do not call/text, our office may cancel your appointment upon your arrival.

If you know you will be late to your shot appointment due to unforeseen circumstances, please call/text at 515-410-9400 If you know you will be late to your shot appointment due to unforeseen circumstances, please call/text at 515-410-9400 515-410-9400 515-410-9400  our office prior to your visit to verify if we can still see you the same day. Otherwise, you may reschedule without a fee being charged.