Posted in Blog on January 26, 2026
The Allergy Shot to Avoid (And What We Recommend Instead)
Reviewed by Michael C. Hollie, MD
With so much information available online about allergy care, it can be difficult to know which treatments are truly effective and, most importantly, safe. Allergy shots are commonly used, but there are two main (and very different) types: immunotherapy and steroid shots. Here’s what you need to know as you consider allergy shots as a treatment option.
Jump to a Section
- The Basics: What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
- The Basics: What Are Allergy Steroid Shots?
- What’s the Difference?: Immunotherapy vs. Allergy Steroid Shots
- Why Many Allergy Specialists Avoid Steroid Shots
- Watch Out: Common Steroid Shots for Allergies
- Our Recommended Allergy Shot Treatment for Lasting Relief
H2: The Basics: What is Allergy Immunotherapy?
Allergy immunotherapy (allergy shots) work by desensitizing your body to the specific substances that trigger your symptoms. Each injection contains a small amount of the allergens that you are allergic to. As the dosage and your exposure to the allergen increases over time, your immune system learns to tolerate it, reducing allergy symptoms over time. Most patients receive shots for three to five years for long-term relief.
The shots are made using natural extracts from your specific allergen. For example, allergy shots for tree pollen contain purified pollen extract collected from certain trees. Immunotherapy is a more natural option compared to medications and allergy steroid shots that may cause long-term side effects.
Allergy shots are an effective treatment for environmental, animal and insect venom allergies. They can also be used to treat asthma and eczema
How Can I Tell if I Have Winter Allergies or Just a Cold?
Allergy steroid shots (corticosteroid injections) work by using medication within the shots to reduce inflammation. By temporarily suppressing your body’s immune response, they provide short-term relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching.
Unlike immunotherapy, these shots do not desensitize your body to allergens. They are meant for rapid, temporary relief and help manage symptoms rather than cure allergies. Because the effects wear off over a short time, shots need to be received indefinitely every few weeks to months. This regular use of steroids can cause serious side effects and long-term use is discouraged.
What’s the Difference?: Immunotherapy vs. Allergy Steroid Shots
While immunotherapy and allergy steroid shots are similar in their purpose of providing allergy relief, they differ significantly in method, duration and overall effects.
Immunotherapy:
• Duration: Patients typically receive allergy shots for three to five years to build tolerance and achieve lasting results.
• Frequency: The treatment usually begins with a buildup phase of one to three shots per week for about a year, followed by a maintenance phase of one shot per month for three to five years (although RUSH schedules are available for expedited relief).
• Type of Side Effects: Mild reactions (such as swelling or irritation) at the injection site are common. Severe full-body reactions are rare but occur in about 1 in 1,000 patients, which is why treatment starts with low doses.
• Length of Side Effects: Usually last only a few hours.
• Type of Relief: Continuous. Meant to gradually reduce allergy symptoms over time
• Effectiveness Over Time: Often leads to long-term allergy improvement.
Allergy Steroid Shots:
• Duration: Patients typically need shots indefinitely (and possibly for life) since allergy steroid shots manage symptoms rather than desensitize to your allergens.
• Frequency: A single shot provides relief for a few weeks to a few months, depending on factors like the specific steroid used and the individual response. Additional shots are needed as symptoms return.
• Type of Side Effects: Corticosteroid shot risks range from mild to severe and can affect the heart, the digestive system, hormones, vision, bones, mental health and many other body functions.
• Length of Side Effects: Can last anywhere from a few hours to for life, depending on the side effect.
• Type of Relief: Meant to manage symptoms rather than treat the root cause.
• Effectiveness Over Time: Often provides relief for a limited period of a few weeks to a few months.
Why Many Allergy Specialists Avoid Steroid Shots
Allergy steroid shots are generally not considered a safe long-term treatment option. They have a high risk of numerous side effects, and the risks increase with repeated treatments over time.
Watch Out: Common Steroid Shots for Allergies
Common corticosteroid shots for allergies include Kenalog (triamcinolone), Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone), Solu-Medrol (methylprednisolone), dexamethasone and hydrocortisone. The Allergy & Asthma Group of Galen recommends avoiding these injections to treat allergy symptoms to avoid the risk of side effects.
Our Recommended Allergy Shot Treatment for Lasting Relief
We strongly discourage the use of allergy steroid shots. If you’re suffering from allergies, our board-certified allergists can evaluate your condition and determine whether immunotherapy (allergy shots) is the next best step based on your symptoms and specific allergies. We want to help you live symptom-free, in a safe way. Schedule an appointment today and begin your journey to finding relief.
See An Allergy Specialist Near You