Immunotherapy at Freedom Allergy

What Is Immunotherapy?

Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy shots, is a proven long-term treatment for allergies. It works by gradually decreasing your body’s sensitivity to allergens, leading to fewer symptoms and less reliance on medications.

Allergy shots are highly effective for:

• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)

• Allergic asthma

• Conjunctivitis (eye allergies)

• Stinging insect allergies

Unlike medications that only mask symptoms, allergy shots target the underlying cause. Many patients experience lasting relief even after treatment is completed, making immunotherapy a cost-effective, long-term solution.

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

Allergy shots work like a vaccine for allergies. Your body is exposed to gradually increasing doses of allergens through injections placed just under the skin of your upper arm. Over time, your immune system becomes desensitized.

Phases of Immunotherapy

1. Build-Up Phase

   • Injections are given 1–2 times per week with increasing doses.

   • This phase usually lasts several months, depending on your treatment plan.

   • Freedom Allergy offers different approaches:

     • Traditional Immunotherapy

     • Rush Immunotherapy (accelerated buildup in a single day)

     • Cluster Immunotherapy (multiple injections per visit for a faster schedule)

2. Maintenance Phase

   • Begins once the target dose is reached.

   • Injections are spaced every 2–4 weeks.

   • Treatment typically continues for 3–5 years.

Stopping too early can cause symptoms to return, so it’s important to complete the full course as recommended by your allergist.

How Effective Are Allergy Shots?

Studies show that allergy shots can improve symptoms in up to 90% of patients. Benefits include:

• Significant reduction in allergy and asthma symptoms

• Less need for medications

• Prevention of new allergies from developing

• In children, reduced risk of progression from allergic rhinitis to asthma

Results depend on consistency and length of treatment. Some patients have lasting relief for years after finishing their shots.

Risks and Safety of Immunotherapy

Since allergy shots contain allergens, reactions are possible. Most are mild and local, such as redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. These usually resolve within 24 hours.

Rarely, systemic reactions (anaphylaxis) can occur, with symptoms such as:

• Hives or swelling beyond the injection site

• Runny nose, sneezing, or itchy throat

• Tightness in the chest or wheezing

• Nausea or dizziness

• Drop in blood pressure

To keep you safe:

• All injections are administered in-office under medical supervision.

• Patients are observed for 30 minutes after each injection.

• All patients are prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen or Auvi-Q).

• Patients on beta-blockers may need additional precautions, including carrying glucagon.

Why Choose Freedom Allergy for Immunotherapy?

• Board-certified allergists with expertise in adult and pediatric care

• Multiple immunotherapy options (Traditional, Rush, Cluster)

• Safe, monitored environment with emergency-trained staff

• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your allergies and lifestyle

• Trusted by families across Georgia for advanced allergy care