Questions about Allergen Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

Why must we wait 30 minutes after each allergy shot?

The waiting period helps your team see if your child has a reaction to the allergy shot. We need to measure any reaction at the injection site. The size of the reaction determines the dose for the next injection. While rare, serious side effects (severe systemic reactions) may occur, usually within 30 minutes. Severe systemic reactions require immediate medical attention. If you cannot wait 30 minutes, you will need to reschedule your appointment.

My neighbor is a nurse or a doctor. Can they give my child the allergy shot at our home?

No. Injections MUST be given in a medical facility in the presence of a physician. If your child has a severe reaction, they need to be treated by a physician who has access to life-saving medications and medical equipment.

Can my child get allergy shots when they are sick?

Your child can receive injections with mild illnesses, such as upper respiratory infections. Injections should not be given if your child has a fever or difficulty breathing. Always notify your nurse before receiving the injections if your child is having severe allergy symptoms, a fever, or difficulty breathing (such as wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, or shortness of breath).

Does my child need to limit activities after getting an allergy shot?

Yes. Your child should not exercise for two hours after receiving the allergy shot.

What kind of reactions are possible?

First 30 minutes after the allergy shot:

  • Local reactions (Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site)

  • Rarely, severe systemic reaction (see below)

Later reactions 1-14 hours after the allergy shot:

  • Redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site. Ice, elevation, hydrocortisone cream, and antihistamines are helpful treatment options.

Systemic reactions are rare and include:

  • Increased allergic symptoms of the eyes and nose, hives, itching throughout body

  • Difficulty swallowing or throat swelling

  • Difficulty breathing (such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness or shortness of breath)

  • Decreased blood pressure

If your child has a severe allergic reaction, immediately use your epinephrine autoinjector (Epipen® or Auvi-Q®) and call 911 or take your child to the nearest emergency department.

If your child has a reaction to an allergy shot, be sure to tell the nurse before the next shot so that the dose can be adjusted.

Do I need to be with my child when they come to the office for allergy shots?

If your child is under 18 years old, you need to be present to give consent for the nurse to administer the injection and for the physician to treat any reactions.

Do allergy shots need to be given on the same day each week?

The injections do not need to be given exactly every seven days, but you must wait at least 48 hours (2 full days) between injections.

What if we miss a scheduled allergy shot?

It is not a problem if injections need to be missed for occasional vacations, illnesses, or other responsibilities. If the time between injections is too long, the next dose may need to be reduced. Make sure the nurse is aware of the time delay before your child receives the next injection. If your child will need to miss doses often, allergy shots should not be started or continued.

 

Reviewed May2024 by Megan Lewis, MSN, CRNP Laura Gober, MD