Allergy Shots Specialist

Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center

Allergy and Immunology & Allergy & Asthma located in Kingsport, TN & Johnson City, TN

Allergy shots are a treatment option for those suffering from allergy symptoms. The treatment may stop or significantly reduce symptoms, prevent new allergies, and protect against allergy-induced asthma. At Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, with offices in Kingsport and Johnson City, Tennessee; and Abingdon, Virginia, the leading world physician in the field, Shailee Madhok, MD, and the team offer allergy shots to treat their allergy patients. To learn more about allergy shots and how they may help you or your child, contact the office near you by phone or online today.

Allergy Shots Q&A

What are allergy shots?

Allergy shots are a form of immunotherapy aimed at desensitizing your body to an allergen, which is a substance that triggers your immune system to produce antibodies that lead to an allergic reaction. Immunotherapy works like vaccines.

During treatment, your provider injects a tiny amount of the allergen into your body to activate your immune system, but not trigger an allergic reaction. Over time, your provider increases the amount of allergen in your injections until you reach the most effective dose. 


Am I a good candidate for allergy shots?

The team at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center determines if you’re a good candidate for allergy shots during an allergy consultation. The following outlines good candidates for allergy shots:


  • You can’t fully eliminate the allergen from your life (seasonal allergies)
  • Medications fail to alleviate your symptoms
  • Allergy medications interact with other medications you take
  • You don’t want to take allergy medications long-term


Allergy shots can’t help all allergy sufferers. The team only offers allergy shots to those suffering from seasonal allergies, indoor allergies (mold), and insect allergies. 


What can I expect during my allergy shots?

The team at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center develops individualized treatment plans based on your specific needs and reviews the details of your plans, so you know exactly what to expect during your allergy shot treatment.

In general, allergy shots occur in two phases:

Buildup phase

During the buildup phase, your provider at Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center may recommend 1-3 weekly injections for 3-6 months. During this phase, they gradually increase the dose of the allergen until you reach your effective dose. 

Maintenance phase

During the maintenance phase, you receive monthly injections of your effective dose for 3-5 years. 

After each injection, the team requests you remain at the office for 30 minutes for monitoring. 


How long does it take to get results from allergy shots?

You may start to experience an improvement in your allergy symptoms within a year of starting allergy shots. However, it may take up to three years until your body is fully desensitized to the allergen, and you get the most relief from your symptoms. Though most patients can discontinue their allergy shots once fully desensitized, some patients require continued shots to keep symptoms at bay.

To see if allergy shots are right for you, call Regional Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Center, or request an appointment online today.