Allergy Shots are regular injections over a period of time, typically around three to five years, to help stop or reduce allergy attacks. Immunotherapy is a treatment in the form of allergy shots. Every allergy shot contains a trace amount of the specific substance or substances that trigger allergic reactions. These triggering substances are called allergens. Allergy shots contain just the right amount of allergens to stimulate your immune system - but not enough to cause a full-blown allergic reaction.

Gradually, your doctor will increase the dosage of allergens in each of your allergy shots. This desensitizes your body to the allergens, so you get used to them. Your immune system establishes a tolerance to the allergens, causing your allergy symptoms to diminish over time.

During the build-up phase, you may notice a decrease in symptoms, however it may take as long as 12 months on the maintenance dose to see an improvement. If allergy shots are deemed successful, maintenance treatment is typically continued for three to five years. Allergy shots work similar to a vaccine: your body reacts to the amounts of a specific allergen by developing immunity or tolerance to the allergen.