Allergy Shots

Allergy Shots Services Offered in Riverview, FL

If you suffer from allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, or stinging insect allergies, allergy immunotherapy, also referred to as an allergy shot, may help alleviate your symptoms. At Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care in Riverview, Florida, Rajivi Rucker, MD, MPH, and Craig Kalik, MD, provide allergy shots and can determine whether they are a good option for you. To schedule a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for an allergy shot, call the office or request an appointment online today. 

Allergy Shots

Allergy Shots FAQ's



What are allergy shots?


Allergy shots, also called allergy immunotherapy, are a treatment that aims to reduce your sensitivity to an allergen. 


During allergy shot treatment, you’re injected with increasing amounts of a specific allergen over several months to decrease your body’s immune system reaction. 


In addition to providing long-term relief from your allergy symptoms, allergy shots may also prevent the development of new allergies. In children, allergy shots may also decrease the risk of their allergic rhinitis progressing to asthma. 


How do allergy shots work?


Allergy shots desensitize your body over time so it is less reactive to whatever you are allergic to. Your body responds to the injected amounts of a particular allergen, which is given in gradually increased doses over a set period, by developing an immunity or tolerance to the allergen. 


Then, when exposed to the allergen in the future, your symptoms are significantly decreased or minimized. 


Am I a good candidate for an allergy shot?


Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care offers allergy shots to both children and adults with allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, conjunctivitis, and stinging-insect allergies. 


When considering whether you’re a good candidate for allergy immunotherapy, your provider bases their decision on:

  • Length of your allergy season
  • Severity of your allergy symptoms
  • Effectiveness of medication and environmental controls at alleviating your symptoms
  • Your desire to avoid long-term medication use
  • Your willingness to commit to the allergy shot program

Your provider also takes into consideration your age and health history. 


What can I expect when participating in the allergy shot program?


Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care provides details on what to expect during your allergy shot program, tailored to your specific allergy needs. However, to build up your immunity to the allergen, there are two phases to the program:


Buildup phase

During the buildup phase, you receive increasing amounts of the allergen once or twice a week for 6-8 months. Some patients are candidates for an accelerated buildup phase, which we call “cluster immunotherapy”, that takes only 9-10 weeks.  


Maintenance phase


Once you reach an effective dose, your maintenance phase begins. Your effective dose depends on your level of allergen sensitivity and your response to the buildup dose phase. During the maintenance phase, you receive allergy shots every 2-4 weeks.


Though you may experience a decrease in symptoms during the buildup phase, it may take up to 12 months on the maintenance dose to notice an improvement. If your allergy shots are successful, your maintenance treatment will continue for 3-5 years. 


The effectiveness of your allergy shot treatments coincides with the length of your treatment, as well as your allergen dose. You should consult with your allergist before stopping immunotherapy.


During the maintenance phase, 80-90% of patients at Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care notice a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms.


To learn more about allergy shots and how they may help alleviate your allergy symptoms, contact Precision Allergy Asthma and Immunology Care by phone today.