All About Allergy Shots
Learn all about allergy shots: how they work, types of allergies treated, benefits, side effects, costs in India, and who should consider them in this guide.
Written by Dr Shreya Sarkar
Last updated on 3rd Jul, 2025
Allergies affect millions of lives worldwide, ranging from mild inconvenience to severe health complications, depending on the nature of the allergen. Fortunately, allergy shots or allergen immunotherapy offers a long-term and promising solution for this condition. This treatment method gradually reduces the immune system’s sensitivity to specific allergens through small dosage. Typically, these controlled doses trigger a mild immune response, which helps retrain the body to tolerate allergens instead of overreacting to them. Over time, this process desensitizes the immune system, enabling individuals to experience significant relief and a better quality of life.
Top 5 Types of Allergies
Allergy shots are effective against different allergies. They are broadly categorised into the following parts –
Seasonal: Commonly referred to as hay fever allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies are caused by pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds. Here, allergy shots can help reduce the severity of symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes during peak allergy seasons.
Indoor: Indoor allergies are typically caused by dust mites, moulds and pet dander. Unlike seasonal allergies, these can trigger reactions throughout the year. Allergic shots help to reduce the symptoms of this type of allergy. However, doctors suggest that to avoid indoor allergies, one must keep the house clean and stay away from the pets they are allergic to.
Insect: Insect venom from bees, wasps, or ants can provoke allergic reactions in many individuals, ranging from mild irritation to severe, potentially life-threatening responses. Allergy shots are often an effective treatment for managing and reducing sensitivity to these venoms. However, if the allergic symptoms persist or worsen despite receiving the shots, it is crucial to seek further medical evaluation.
Food: Sometimes, food items like fish, nuts, and certain vegetables can lead to allergic reactions in many. While food allergies are common among children, adults can also suffer from them. Allergic shots can easily reduce the symptoms and provide relief. However, it is important to understand the difference between food allergy and food intolerance and not to confuse the two.
Drug: Certain medicines can sometimes trigger allergic reactions, and in such cases, allergy shots can help alleviate symptoms. However, it is essential to inform the doctor who has prescribed the drug about the reaction to ensure the medication is promptly adjusted or replaced with a safer alternative. This proactive approach helps prevent further complications and ensures effective treatment.
Who Should Consider Allergy Shots?
Individuals with moderate to severe allergic reactions that significantly disrupt daily life should consider opting for this treatment. Therefore, the ideal candidates will be:
Individuals who are not getting better through oral medications
Individuals who plan to minimise long-term reliance on allergy medications is a priority
Individuals who face allergies to multiple allergens
Individuals who suffer from conditions like asthma worsened by allergies
Individuals who find it challenging to avoid triggers of allergic reactions
However, it is important to note that before beginning treatment, a thorough evaluation by an allergist is essential. This includes a detailed assessment of medical history and conducting allergy tests to determine the course of treatment. It will help individuals avoid the side effects of the wrong treatment and get the best result with the right course of treatment.
The Allergy Shot Process
Immunotherapy involves a systematic approach where the preparation begins with an allergy test, usually a blood test to identify the triggers. After that, as per the results, a personalised immunotherapy plan is developed. During this process, patients must discuss their current medications and potential health concerns with their allergist to have a clear understanding of the treatment process.
Following the preparation, the allergy shots are typically administered in two phases –
Build-Up Phase: Here injections are given 1 to 3 times a week, gradually increasing the dosage. This phase typically lasts 3 to 6 months.
Maintenance Phase: Once the effective dose is reached, shots are administered less frequently—usually every 2 to 4 weeks. This phase can continue for 3 to 5 years or longer, depending on the individual.
Get Tested for Allergies
Benefits of Allergy Shots
Immunotherapy offers significant advantages; here are some of the leading ones –
Long-Term Relief from Symptoms: Unlike medications that only provide temporary relief, allergy shots address the actual cause of allergies. Over time, patients experience sustained relief, even after discontinuing treatment.
Reducing Reliance On Medication: Effective immunotherapy can reduce patients' reliance on medication. Once the course of allergy shots is complete, patients no longer need to depend on medicines to manage the condition.
Improves Quality of Life: Allergic shots significantly improve quality of life. By considerably lowering the sensitivity to the allergens, it saves patients from experiencing the symptoms of the allergic conditions. As a result, individuals can lead their daily lives without the constant worry of the allergy.
Customised Treatment: As allergic shots are tailored to individual needs based on specific triggers identified through testing, they ensure a more precise treatment and effective management.
Cost-Effective: Long-term allergy shots have proved to be a cost-effective method of treatment. It saves individuals from the cost of recurring doctor visits and medication by slowly eliminating the root cause of the allergy.
Side Effects and Risks
Some of the common side effects of allergic shots are –
Redness or swelling at the injection site
Mild itching or discomfort
Nasal congestion and sneezing
Watery eyes
Apart from this, serious reactions, such as anaphylaxis, are rare but possible. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling, and dizziness.
Success Rates and Effectiveness
Allergy shots have a proven track record of success, though results can vary among individuals, depending on the following factors –
Type and severity of the allergy
The immunity system of an individual
Sticking to the treatment schedule
Current medication and existing diseases
Most patients experience significant improvement within the first year of treatment. But, they must complete the entire course of immunotherapy to ensure its long-term benefits.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The typical cost of allergy shots in India ranges between Rs.300 and Rs.1,500. It will primarily depend on the injection and clinic from which you are getting it.
The cost of such allergic injections is usually covered by health insurance plans. Therefore, patients should go through the terms of the policy and check whether this treatment plan is covered.
Alternatives to Allergy Shots
Individuals who are not comfortable with immunotherapy can opt for alternative treatments like sublingual immunotherapy or allergy drops. In addition to the drops, patients can also use tablets for recovery.
On the other hand, medications like antihistamines can be an excellent alternative. These medicines are typically available over-the-counter, and patients can easily take them as instructed by the doctor.
Conclusion
Allergy shots provide a scientifically backed solution for managing different allergic conditions. This treatment process provides long-term relief and lower dependency on medications. It follows a structured process, starting from preparation to regular dosage and monitoring. Therefore, opting for this treatment process is a significant decision that requires professional guidance, and patients must consult with an allergist before commencing.
Consult Top Allergist/Immunologist
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