Services & Treatments

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (SCIT)

Traditional allergy shots can provide tremendous long-term relief of allergy symptoms by gradually increasing a patient's tolerance to the pollens, molds, animal dander, and/or insect venom to which they are allergic. We start off with a build-up period, where low doses of the antigens are given, and gradually build up to higher doses over a period of weeks to months as tolerated. Once the patient reaches a maintenance dose, less frequent shot dosings are necessary (generally once a month). The most common reactions are mild, and include itching or swelling at the injection site. Risks include severe life-threatening reactions including death have been reported, but are rare. Allergy shots are administered in the office when an MD is present with a 30 minute minimum wait time in the event of any allergic reaction. Patients generally feel better in a few weeks once starting allergy shots, with substantial improvement in symptoms once they reach the maintenance phase. Most remain on allergy shots for about 3-5 years, depending on symptom response, seasonality, severity of symptoms, adherence to treatment plan, and are able to achieve long-term relief.