We get these questions all the time:
- Why do I need to wait for my allergy injections?
- Why do I have to come into the office to get them—can’t I just give them to myself?
Allergies, by definition, are an immune reaction to something in the environment that your body starts to make antibodies to. Upon re-exposure to the offending allergen, your body tries to get the allergen out of your system through itching, sneezing, rashes, swelling, and even trouble breathing.
Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, consist of small amounts of the offending allergen given at specified intervals to stimulate the immune system to create “tolerance” where there is a diagnosed allergy. The benefit of allergy shots is that they can “cure” allergies, or at least put them in remission for 10-20 years. The risk of allergy shots is that they can potentially trigger an allergic reaction similar to the symptoms above, or even more severe reactions in the form of anaphylaxis.
Allergy shots are therefore only given when a physician or provider is present, and patients are required to wait in the office for 30 minutes (the interval when a reaction is most likely to occur) after receiving a shot. It is not difficult to administer allergy shots, but the treatment of reactions or potential anaphylaxis requires specific equipment and staff.
We have had allergy RNs in our office who also have to get their shots with the same restrictions! Our goal is not to inconvenience our patients, but to keep them safe. We pledge to get you spaced out to the monthly interval as soon as we can do so!
We offer convenient allergy shot hours. Schedule an appointment to start treating your allergies!