How do allergy shots work to treat allergies?

Allergy shots gradually expose your immune system to small amounts of allergens, helping build tolerance and reduce symptoms over time.

How long does immunotherapy treatment usually take?

Treatment typically begins with a build-up phase followed by maintenance, often lasting several years to achieve long term symptom improvement.

Are there side effects from allergy shots?

Most side effects are mild, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, and patients are monitored for safety after each visit.

How often do I need to receive allergy shots?

Frequency varies by treatment phase, with more frequent visits early on and less frequent maintenance visits once tolerance is established.

Do I need to stay in the office after each injection?

Yes, patients are typically asked to wait for a short period after each injection so providers can monitor for any reactions and ensure safety.

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

For many patients in Dedham, Brockton, Milford, and Raynham, seasonal and year-round allergies can significantly disrupt daily life. Immunotherapy allergy shots, also known as subcutaneous immunotherapy, offer a pathway to lasting relief by targeting the root cause of allergic reactions. Unlike daily antihistamines or nasal sprays that only mask symptoms, this treatment gradually builds your immune system’s tolerance to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and molds. At Asthma & Allergy Physicians, our allergy specialists design shot protocols tailored to your unique allergic triggers, guided by comprehensive testing and decades of clinical expertise. Whether you’re a parent seeking better outcomes for a child plagued by asthma or a dust-sensitive adult tired of persistent congestion, immunotherapy allergy shots can reduce or even eliminate symptoms over time, leading to improved quality of life and fewer missed days at work or school.

Choosing where to receive allergy shots is critical for safety and effectiveness. For more than 54 years, Asthma & Allergy Physicians has been a trusted leader in allergy, asthma, and immunology care throughout Massachusetts. Our providers include expert physicians and experienced nurse practitioners who trained at leading institutions, including Harvard, Boston University, Northeastern University, and the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Together, they bring decades of clinical experience and a commitment to delivering personalized, evidence-based care. We offer a comprehensive range of specialized services, including allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots), oral immunotherapy (OIT), biologic therapies, patch testing, food and medication challenges, and advanced allergy testing. Our providers remain actively engaged in clinical research, patient education, and the adoption of emerging therapies to ensure patients have access to the latest advances in care. Our physicians are leaders in the field, speaking and educating patients and physicians across the country. Whether managing seasonal allergies, asthma, food allergies, eczema, chronic hives, medication allergies, or complex immunologic conditions, our goal is to deliver personalized treatment plans that improve quality of life and help patients achieve long-term symptom control. With convenient locations in Dedham, Brockton, Milford, and Raynham, Asthma & Allergy Physicians is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality specialty care close to home.

The allergy shot process at Asthma & Allergy Physicians is designed for long-term benefit, not just temporary relief. First, we conduct comprehensive allergy testing in our offices in Brockton, Milford, Raynham, and Dedham—to accurately determine your specific sensitivities. With this information, our team creates serum containing precise doses of your allergens. Treatment begins with a build-up phase, during which you’ll receive weekly injections for approximately 17 to 20 weeks. Each injection gradually increases the dose to safely train your immune system. Once the target dose is reached, you’ll transition to monthly maintenance injections for several years. This gradual approach helps your body build tolerance to allergens by producing blocking antibodies, which can significantly reduce—or even prevent—allergic reactions over time. Throughout your treatment, our experienced team monitors your progress and adjusts your care as needed to help you achieve the best possible results.

Allergy shots are appropriate for a broad range of patients—from young children with eczema or asthma to adults suffering from severe dust or pollen allergies, and even those at risk for life-threatening reactions to stinging insects. At Asthma & Allergy Physicians, we pride ourselves on creating a comfortable, reassuring environment for every patient. Our pediatric nurse practitioners are specially trained to support children and families, while our expert physicians oversee care for complex adult cases. We enforce strict safety protocols, including sterile environments for immunocompromised patients and thorough on-site monitoring. Our multi-location presence means convenient scheduling and easy access across Dedham, Brockton, Milford, Raynham, and surrounding areas. Whether you're seeking freedom from daily medications or peace of mind after a severe allergic event, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting relief through expertly managed immunotherapy allergy shots.

How do allergy shots work to treat allergies?
Allergy shots gradually expose your immune system to small amounts of allergens, helping build tolerance and reduce symptoms over time.
How long does immunotherapy treatment usually take?
Treatment typically begins with a build-up phase followed by maintenance, often lasting several years to achieve long term symptom improvement.
Are there side effects from allergy shots?
Most side effects are mild, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, and patients are monitored for safety after each visit.
How often do I need to receive allergy shots?
Frequency varies by treatment phase, with more frequent visits early on and less frequent maintenance visits once tolerance is established.
Do I need to stay in the office after each injection?
Yes, patients are typically asked to wait for a short period after each injection so providers can monitor for any reactions and ensure safety.