Allergy shots, formally known as subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are a long-term treatment designed to modify the body’s response to specific allergens. This treatment involves injecting small, controlled amounts of substances that trigger allergic reactions (such as pollens, dust mites, or insect venom) directly under the skin. The goal is to gradually desensitize the immune system, training it to tolerate these allergens instead of reacting with symptoms like sneezing, congestion, or asthma. Safe administration is paramount, as the treatment carries a small risk of severe allergic reactions, making careful procedure and monitoring necessary.
Understanding the Immunotherapy Process
Allergy shot therapy is structured into two main phases that typically span three to five years. The first is the build-up phase, which involves injections with gradually increasing doses of the allergen extract. This initial phase usually lasts between three and six months and is designed to slowly introduce the allergen without provoking a severe response.
During the build-up period, injections are often given once or twice a week until the maximum effective dose is reached. Once achieved, the patient transitions into the maintenance phase, where this fixed dose is administered less frequently, typically every two to four weeks. The allergen serum is highly customized, containing only the specific substances to which the patient is allergic.
Essential Safety Prerequisites for Administration
The administration of allergy shots begins with rigorous safety checks completed before any injection is given. Treatment is based on a prescription from a healthcare provider specializing in allergy and immunology and is usually given in a clinical setting equipped for emergencies. Required supplies include the correct vials of allergen extract, a 1mL syringe (typically 25 to 27 gauge), alcohol wipes, and a dedicated sharps container.
The most vital step involves a double-check to confirm the correct patient is receiving the correct medication. This verification includes matching the patient’s identity with the vial’s label, confirming the correct concentration, and checking the extract’s expiration date. Personnel must then accurately measure the prescribed dose, which often changes weekly during the build-up phase. If a patient is unwell, has symptomatic asthma, or has missed an injection interval, the procedure is often postponed or the dosage adjusted, requiring a brief pre-injection assessment.
Detailed Injection Technique
Once safety checks are complete and the correct dose is drawn, the injection procedure must follow a precise protocol to ensure the extract is delivered subcutaneously (just under the skin). The preferred injection site is the posterior aspect of the middle third of the upper arm, near the junction of the deltoid and triceps muscles. The chosen site must be cleaned thoroughly with an alcohol wipe and allowed to air dry completely.
The technician will gently pinch the skin or hold it taut to create a small fold of tissue. The needle is then inserted into this fold at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees, aiming for the subcutaneous fat layer, not the muscle. Aspiration involves gently pulling back on the syringe plunger before injection; if blood enters, the needle must be withdrawn and a new site chosen to avoid direct bloodstream injection. The prescribed dose is then injected slowly and steadily, and the needle is removed and immediately disposed of into a sharps container.
Recognizing and Responding to Reactions
Following the injection, the patient must remain under observation in the clinic for 20 to 30 minutes. The majority of reactions are localized, presenting as redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site, which usually resolve quickly. These mild local responses are often managed with a cold compress or an over-the-counter antihistamine.
A more serious concern is a systemic reaction, which affects multiple body systems and may include widespread hives, sneezing, nasal congestion, or throat tightness. The most severe form, anaphylaxis, is rare but life-threatening, causing difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a sudden drop in blood pressure. In the event of systemic symptoms, emergency protocol requires the immediate administration of an intramuscular epinephrine auto-injector. Patients must seek immediate emergency medical care if symptoms are severe or worsen after leaving the facility.