Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT), commonly known as allergy shots, is a long-term treatment designed to decrease sensitivity to specific substances that trigger allergic reactions. This treatment involves the regular administration of gradually increasing doses of an allergen extract to modify the immune system’s response. Because AIT requires precise dosing and carries a small risk of severe reaction, the location of administration is carefully controlled. Patients must understand the required preliminary steps and the specialized environments where these injections are given to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Initial Steps: Consultation and Diagnostic Testing
Receiving allergy shots is not a simple, single-step procedure, but rather the culmination of a thorough diagnostic process. Before treatment can begin, a healthcare professional must confirm the specific allergens causing the symptoms and assess suitability for AIT. This initial consultation typically involves a detailed review of the patient’s medical history and allergy symptoms.
The next step involves diagnostic testing to accurately identify the triggers, which most commonly includes skin prick tests. During this test, a small amount of a suspected allergen is scratched or pricked into the skin, usually on the forearm or back, and the site is observed for about 15 minutes for a localized reaction, such as swelling or redness. If the skin test results are inconclusive or cannot be performed due to certain skin conditions or medications, blood tests may be used to measure the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies specific to various allergens.
This information is essential for formulating the customized treatment serum, which contains the exact allergens the patient is sensitive to. The diagnostic procedures establish the foundation for a safe and effective AIT regimen. Only after this precise identification can the proper course of treatment be prepared.
Specialized Clinics: The Primary Location for Treatment
The primary location for receiving allergy shots is the office of a board-certified Allergist/Immunologist. These specialists are trained to manage the entire AIT process, from preparing the individualized allergen extract to overseeing the initial, higher-risk phase of treatment. The specialized clinic setting ensures that treatment is administered by personnel familiar with the nuances of allergy care and the potential for adverse reactions.
The initial phase, known as the build-up phase, involves frequent injections, often one to three times a week, where the dose of the allergen is gradually increased. These shots are typically given subcutaneously in the upper arm. The allergist’s office maintains strict protocols for dose adjustments and is equipped to manage any immediate complications that may arise.
Once the patient reaches the highest safe and effective dose, the maintenance phase begins, with injections administered less frequently, usually once a month. While patients should continue receiving injections at the specialist’s office, alternative locations may sometimes be arranged for the maintenance dose only. This may include primary care offices or university health services. This arrangement is always done under the strict supervision and written direction of the specialist who formulated the treatment plan.
Safety Requirements and Monitoring
Allergy shots must be administered in a controlled clinical setting because of the small but real risk of a systemic allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis. This severe reaction is possible because the injections contain the substances to which the patient is allergic. Systemic reactions, such as wheezing, throat swelling, or hives, most often begin within 30 minutes of the injection.
To mitigate this risk, a mandatory observation period of 20 to 30 minutes is required following every injection. Patients must remain in the clinic during this time so that trained staff can monitor them for any signs of an adverse response. This immediate supervision ensures that if a reaction occurs, it can be identified and treated without delay.
The clinical setting must be equipped with emergency medical supplies, including injectable epinephrine, which is the immediate treatment for anaphylaxis. Staff administering the shots must be trained in recognizing the signs of an allergic emergency and administering life-saving measures. This safety protocol dictates that allergy shots cannot be self-administered at home and must always be given where emergency care is immediately accessible.