What Is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Welcome! You are about to begin allergy immunotherapy — a proven, long-term treatment that trains your body to stop over-reacting to the things you are allergic to. This guide explains how the program works, what to expect at each visit, and how to stay safe. Please keep it and bring your questions to your care team.
Allergy immunotherapy is a series of shots that contain tiny amounts of the allergens that bother you (such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or pet dander). Over time, your body gets used to these allergens and reacts to them less and less.
The goal is long-lasting relief — fewer symptoms, less need for allergy medicine, and a better quality of life. Unlike medications that only treat symptoms, immunotherapy treats the cause of your allergies.
How Well Does It Work?
- Most patients notice fewer and milder symptoms over time.
- It can help with allergic rhinitis (nasal allergies), allergic eye symptoms, and allergic asthma.
- Improvement is gradual. Many people begin to feel better in 6 to 12 months, with the greatest benefit after continuing the full course.
- Completing the full program (usually 3 to 5 years) gives the best chance of lasting relief, even after the shots stop.
The Two Phases of Treatment
Your program has two phases. You start with more frequent visits, then move to a comfortable maintenance schedule.
Build-Up Phase — Goal: slowly raise your dose to a strong, effective level. Frequency: about 1–2 visits per week. Length: about 3–6 months. Dose: increases a little each visit.
Maintenance Phase — Goal: keep you at your full protective dose. Frequency: usually every 2–4 weeks. Length: about 3–5 years total. Dose: stays the same each visit.
Consistency matters. Coming in on schedule keeps your treatment safe and effective. If you fall behind, your dose may need to be lowered and built back up. Please tell us as soon as you know you will miss a visit.
What to Expect at Each Visit
- Check in at the front desk for your allergy shot appointment.
- Tell your nurse how you felt after your last shot, and mention any new symptoms, illness, or changes in your medicine.
- Receive your shot(s), usually in the upper arm. You may receive more than one injection.
- Wait 20 minutes in the office so we can make sure you do not have a reaction.
- Get checked before you leave. A staff member will look at your injection site and clear you to go home.
The 20-Minute Wait Is Required
Serious allergic reactions, if they happen, almost always begin within 20 minutes of the shot. Waiting in the office means help is right there if you need it.
- Do not leave early, even if you feel fine or are in a hurry.
- Stay in the waiting area where staff can see you.
- Tell a staff member right away if you feel unwell during the wait.
Knowing the Difference: Normal vs. Warning Signs
Some reaction at the injection site is normal. Rarely, a shot can cause a whole-body reaction that needs immediate care. Learn the difference below.
Normal — usually nothing to worry about: Redness, warmth, itching, or mild swelling at the shot site; a small bump (like a mosquito bite) that goes away in a day or two. What helps: a cool compress, an over-the-counter antihistamine if your provider says it is okay, and avoiding scratching. Mention large or bothersome local reactions at your next visit — we may adjust your dose.
Call 911 now — signs of a serious (whole-body) reaction:
- Trouble breathing, wheezing, or chest tightness
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
- Widespread hives or itching over the body
- Trouble swallowing, tightness in the throat, or a hoarse voice
- Dizziness, fainting, a fast heartbeat, or a feeling that something is very wrong
- Stomach cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea that comes on suddenly
If you have already left the office and any of these happen, call 911 immediately. If you were given an epinephrine auto-injector (such as an EpiPen or neffy), use it right away, then call 911. Do not wait to see if it gets better.
Before Each Appointment
- Skip hard exercise for about 2 hours before and 2 hours after your shot. Exercise can speed up how your body absorbs the allergen.
- Tell us if you are sick, especially with a fever, a bad cold, or an asthma flare (wheezing, coughing, or using your rescue inhaler more than usual). We may reschedule to keep you safe.
- Share medication changes. Some medicines — especially beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors (often used for blood pressure or heart conditions) — can affect how a reaction is treated. Always tell us what you take, including new prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.
- Tell us if you are pregnant or planning to be. Immunotherapy is usually continued but not started or increased during pregnancy — we will guide you.
- Take your allergy medicine as usual unless we tell you otherwise. It will not interfere with your treatment.
If You Miss an Appointment
Staying on schedule keeps your treatment working. If too much time passes between shots, your dose may need to be reduced for your safety and then built back up.
- Call us as soon as you can to reschedule.
- Do not try to “catch up” by getting shots closer together than we advise.
- If you have been away from treatment for a while, we will restart you at the right, safe dose.
Tips for Success
- Try to book your shots at a regular time each week so they become part of your routine.
- Keep a simple record of how you feel — it helps us fine-tune your treatment.
- Be patient. Relief builds gradually; sticking with the full program gives the best results.
- Ask questions anytime. There is no such thing as a small question when it comes to your care.
Supplies for At-Home Dosing
If your provider has approved at-home maintenance dosing for you, injections are typically given with a small, single-patient allergist tray, such as this Allergist Tray with Permanent 27-Gauge Needle. Only use at-home dosing if your provider has specifically approved it for you, and always follow their instructions.
Helpful Videos
If you carry an epinephrine auto-injector for emergencies, these short videos show proper technique:
Questions or Concerns?
During office hours, call your Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia clinic and ask for the allergy/immunotherapy nurse. For a life-threatening reaction, always call 911 first.
Clinic phone: 678-689-1100 | Nurse line: 678-722-8832
This handout is for general education about allergy immunotherapy and does not replace the specific instructions of your provider. Always follow the guidance given to you by your Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia care team.
Don’t let allergies slow you down. Schedule a comprehensive ENT and allergy evaluation at Sleep and Sinus Centers of Georgia. We’re here to find your triggers and guide you toward lasting relief.