Immunotherapy, commonly called allergy shots, was first introduced in 1911. Immunotherapy is a unique way of treating allergies and asthma. Medications treat the symptoms of allergies. Immunotherapy, however, changes the way a person’s immune system is reacting to the environment. In allergic people, the immune system is reacting to common things in the environment such as pollens or pet dander. This leads to classic symptoms of hay fever and, in some, asthma. Allergen skin testing identifies a person’s allergic triggers. A personalized vaccine is then formulated using all natural protein extracts. This extract is then administered to teach the immune system to tolerate exposure to allergens in the environment. And while some claim that immunotherapy is not helpful, a strong body of scientific evidence demonstrates that immunotherapy, when done correctly, leads to:

• 60-70% reduction in allergy symptoms with a 70% fall in need for medications
• Improved asthma control while reducing need for medications
• Reduction of an allergic child’s risk of developing asthma by up to 60%
• Reduced risk of developing new allergies
• Improved quality of life
• Long lasting symptom improvement in 85% of patients that persists after the treatment is stopped

Immunotherapy is generally safe and well tolerated, but like all medical treatment has some risk. Since immunotherapy uses natural extracts of the very things to which a person is allergic, it can cause allergic reactions. Most such reactions are localized but they can be generalized, called anaphylaxis. Again, most of these generalized reactions are mild but in some cases they can be severe and even life threatening. It is therefore very important that immunotherapy be given under the supervision of a Board Certified Allergist.

Immunotherapy can be given by several methods.

Injections: Known as Subcutaneous Immunotherapy or SCIT. This can be administered through a Classic or Cluster protocol in a physician’s office.

Drops: Known as Sublingual Immunotherapy or SLIT. This can be administered at home.

SCIT: In Classic SCIT, patients receive allergy injections in two phases: Build-up and Maintenance.

Build up Phase: Patients initially receive very low doses of allergens by subcutaneous (i.e. into the tissue just under the skin) injection. Patients receive shots once or twice a week. With each shot, the dose is slowly increased to build immune system tolerance. After each shot, the person is monitored for 30 minutes for any reaction. For most patients, the build-up phase is 28 doses.

Maintenance Phase: Once the top, or maintenance, dose is reached, shots are spaced out to every 2-4 weeks. During this time the dose of allergen remains constant. Typically, a person will be on Classic SCIT for 3-5 years.