Allergy shots are really like vaccinations: They boost the defenses of the immune system to help the body block the allergic reaction. In the hands of a well-trained and experienced health professional, allergy shots are safe and effective and can be given to children as young as 4 or 5 years old.
Allergy shots, which are given year-round, work better against some substances than others. Generally, the shots are most effective against insect venoms and allergens that are inhaled, such as pollens, dust, molds, and animal dander.
When your child receives allergy shots, he or she may experience a reaction near the site of the injection. A patch of skin on the arm approximately the size of a quarter may itch and swell. This reaction is a signal that the body is responding to the allergen. You can treat this reaction by applying ice to the area and giving your child an antihistamine. More serious reactions, such as hives and itching all over your child's body or wheezing and breathing difficulties, are unusual and occur in less than 2% of patients.
Although a shot may seem like an unusual way to treat allergies (why would you want to deliberately inject the very thing that is making your child sick into his or her arm?), allergy shots are an effective method of decreasing your child's sensitivity to the things that are triggering an allergic reaction. The substances used in the shots are chosen according to the allergens identified by your child's allergist during the initial allergy tests. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees the standards used in preparing the materials for allergy shots given in the United States.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) suggests parents check the following to make sure their children are receiving shots safely:
Allergy shots should be administered only under the supervision of an allergist/immunologist or other doctor specifically trained in immunotherapy.
If your child is ill, especially with asthma or respiratory difficulties, he or she should not receive further allergy shots until the doctor has declared it safe.
To avoid adverse interactions, be sure to tell the person administering the injections beforehand of any current medications your child is taking.
Allergen immunotherapy isn't necessary for everyone with allergies. Many children get along fine by living in homes that are as free as possible of allergens or by taking allergy medication during peak allergy season. However, many children suffer from allergies year-round, and some just can't tolerate or are uncomfortable with their medications. Many of these children can greatly benefit from allergen immunotherapy.
