What exactly are Allergy Shots?

 Written by Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo, MD

Most allergy treatments focus on controlling symptoms. Antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can help you feel better in the moment, but they do not change how your immune system responds over time.

I’m Dr. Gina Dapul, board-certified allergist and founder of the Family Center for Allergy and Asthma. In this post, I want to explain a different approach to allergy care, one that works at the root cause. It is called allergy shots or allergen immunotherapy.

What if your immune system could actually learn to tolerate the things that trigger your allergies?

What Are Allergy Shots? 

Allergy shots are a form of treatment that exposes your immune system to very small amounts of the substances you are allergic to.

These may include:

• Pollen from trees, grasses, or weeds

• Dust mites

• Pet dander

  
  

The goal is not to trigger a reaction, but to gradually train your immune system to respond differently over time.

How Do Allergy Shots Work? 

Allergy shots work by slowly building tolerance.

Treatment starts with very small doses of your specific allergens. Over time, the dose is gradually increased in a controlled and safe way. This process helps your immune system become less sensitive to those triggers.

As treatment progresses, many patients experience:

• Fewer symptoms

• Less severe reactions

• Reduced need for daily medications

Instead of reacting strongly to allergens, your body begins to recognize them as less of a threat.

Why This Approach Is Different 

Most allergy medications act like a temporary shield. They block or reduce symptoms after your immune system has already reacted.

Allergy shots take a different approach. They aim to retrain the immune system itself.

This makes allergen immunotherapy one of the only treatments that can:

• Address the underlying cause of allergies

• Provide long-term relief

• Continue to offer benefits even after treatment is completed

  
  

For many patients, this can be a meaningful shift from constant symptom management to lasting improvement.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots may be a good option if you:

• Have persistent or severe allergy symptoms

• Do not get enough relief from medications

• Prefer to reduce long-term medication use

• Have known triggers such as pollen, dust mites, or pets

• Are looking for a long-term solution rather than short-term relief

  
  

Allergy testing is typically done first to identify your specific triggers and determine if allergen immunotherapy is appropriate for you.

What to Expect from Treatment 

Allergy shots are given on a regular schedule, especially in the beginning.

Treatment usually includes:

• A build-up phase, where doses are gradually increased

• A maintenance phase, where doses are spaced out over time

  
  

This process requires consistency, but the long-term benefits can be significant. Many patients notice improvement within months, with continued progress over time.

Final Thoughts 

Living with allergies can feel like a constant cycle of triggers and symptoms. Allergy shots offer a different path by helping your immune system adapt and become less reactive.

If you are tired of managing symptoms without lasting relief, it may be time to consider a treatment that works at the source.

Talk to your allergist about whether allergy shots are right for you. With the right plan, long-term relief is possible.

Ready to explore a long-term solution for your allergies? 

Schedule a visit with a board-certified allergist to learn if allergen immunotherapy is the right fit for you.

To your health and well being, 

Dr. Gina Dapul-Hidalgo