What Is Immunotherapy for Pollen Allergies? How Allergy Shots and Drops Can Help You Find Relief

If you struggle with sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, or other symptoms during allergy season, you may be one of the many individuals allergic to pollen. Pollen allergies, also called seasonal allergies or hay fever, can interfere with your daily routine and reduce your quality of life. Thankfully, immunotherapy offers a long-term solution by helping your body build tolerance to allergens over time. At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in Philadelphia, PA and New Jersey, our experienced allergists provide personalized immunotherapy plans, including allergy shots for pollen to help you find lasting relief.

Pollen allergies can cause sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, especially during peak allergy seasons.

Immunotherapy for seasonal allergies works by gradually introducing small doses of allergens into your system, training your immune system to respond less aggressively over time. This treatment can be especially beneficial if medications aren’t enough to manage your symptoms, or if you prefer a more natural, medication-free approach.

What You’ll Learn About Pollen Allergy Immunotherapy:

1. Immunotherapy involves allergy shots or allergy drops that help your immune system become less reactive to pollen and other allergens.

2. Allergy shots are the most commonly recommended form of immunotherapy and are offered at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy.

3. Sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) may be an option for some patients, though it is less widely available.

4. Immunotherapy can significantly reduce symptoms of hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and allergic asthma.

5. Treatment requires commitment but can provide long-term relief for those allergic to pollens.

How Immunotherapy Works for Pollen Allergies 

Immunotherapy is a type of long-term allergy treatment that works by desensitizing your immune system. When you have a pollen allergy, your body overreacts to harmless substances like tree pollen or grass pollen, triggering symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, and asthma.

During immunotherapy, your doctor introduces small doses of the allergen (such as tree or grass pollen) through injections or oral drops. These controlled exposures gradually retrain your immune system to tolerate these substances. This process helps reduce your allergic reaction to allergens over time and can even prevent the development of new allergies or asthma in some cases.

Common symptoms improved with immunotherapy include:

• Hay fever (seasonal allergic rhinitis)

• Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery eyes)

• Allergic asthma (wheezing and shortness of breath)

• Chronic nasal congestion

How Do Allergy Shots Work for Pollen Allergies?

Allergy shots, also called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), are a proven and effective treatment for individuals with moderate to severe pollen allergies. These injections contain tiny amounts of the allergen and are administered regularly in a controlled clinical setting.

Allergy shots are typically given in two phases:

• Build-up phase: Involves receiving injections once or twice a week for several months, with gradually increasing doses.

• Maintenance phase: After reaching an effective dose, shots are spaced out to every 2–4 weeks for 3–5 years.

Each shot is given under the skin, usually in the upper arm, by an experienced healthcare provider. The injections are tailored to your specific allergens based on allergy testing.

Benefits of Allergy Shots for Pollen Allergies 

Immunotherapy with allergy shots has a strong success rate. According to clinical reviews, 80% to 90% of patients experience significant symptom relief after completing the full course of allergy shots.

Allergy shots provide long-term relief and reduce the need for daily medications.

Additional benefits include:

• Reduction in seasonal allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes

• Decreased need for daily allergy medications

• Improvement in asthma symptoms in those with allergic asthma

• Long-term protection even after treatment ends

• Prevention of new allergies in some individuals

Allergy shots are especially helpful for individuals allergic to multiple allergens, including pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander.

Sublingual Immunotherapy (Allergy Drops) 

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), often referred to as allergy drops, is another method of allergen exposure used to treat pollen allergies. Instead of injections, the allergen is placed under the tongue using tablets or drops and then absorbed by the oral mucosa.

SLIT is FDA-approved for specific allergens like grass and ragweed pollens, and may be suitable for:

• Patients with needle phobia

• Children over the age of 7 (in select cases)

• Individuals seeking at-home treatment

Sublingual immunotherapy for hay fever has shown promising results but is not as widely used as allergy shots in the U.S. Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy primarily recommends and administers allergy shots, as these provide more precise and customizable dosing for each patient.

How Do Allergy Shots Differ from Sublingual Immunotherapy? 

While both allergy shots and allergy drops aim to desensitize the immune system, there are some key differences:

• Delivery method: Shots are injected into the skin; drops or tablets are placed under the tongue.

• Setting: Shots are administered in-office; drops are taken at home after initial supervision.

• Regulation: Allergy shots are FDA-approved for a wide range of allergens; SLIT has limited FDA approvals.

• Customization: Allergy shots are more easily customized to individual allergy profiles.

Because of these factors, allergy shots remain the preferred method at Becker ENT & Allergy for most patients seeking immunotherapy.

Who is a Candidate for Immunotherapy? 

Not everyone with allergies needs immunotherapy. It’s usually recommended for patients who:

• Have moderate to severe allergic rhinitis or asthma caused by pollen, dust mites, or other allergens

• Don’t respond well to allergy medications

• Prefer a long-term solution to managing allergy symptoms

• Are willing to commit to a multi-year treatment plan

Immunotherapy helps reduce itchy eyes and other symptoms caused by pollen allergies over time. Age restrictions may apply, although immunotherapy can be safely administered to children as young as five and to older adults. Pregnant women who have already started immunotherapy may often continue treatment under medical supervision.

Duration and Frequency of Treatment 

Allergy shots require consistency. The entire treatment process typically lasts 3–5 years, including the build-up and maintenance phases. Long-term pollen allergy treatment helps ensure that your body develops a stable tolerance to allergens.

If you miss a dose, your allergist may adjust the schedule or repeat a previous dose to ensure safety. Regular appointments are essential to maintain the benefits and avoid losing progress.

Precautions Before Starting Immunotherapy 

Before beginning immunotherapy, your allergist will perform a comprehensive allergy test to confirm your specific triggers. This may include a skin prick test or a blood test.

Additional precautions include:

• Reviewing your medical history and current medications

• Discussing any past severe allergic reactions

• Informing your provider if you have asthma or are pregnant

Treatment Overview: How Immunotherapy is Done at Becker ENT & Allergy 

At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, your immunotherapy journey begins with a thorough consultation and allergy test. Our team of board-certified allergists will design a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms and allergy profile.

Immunotherapy at Becker ENT & Allergy begins with personalized testing and a customized treatment plan.

Your treatment will be overseen by experienced providers and administered in a safe clinical environment. Our practice also offers follow-up support, education, and monitoring to ensure your treatment is effective and well-tolerated.

Managing Potential Risks and Side Effects 

Immunotherapy is generally safe, but side effects can occur. These may include:

• Redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site

• Sneezing, nasal congestion, or mild coughing

• Rarely, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

To minimize risks, patients are monitored for at least 30 minutes after receiving allergy shots. Emergency medications are available on-site if needed.

What Happens After You Complete Immunotherapy? 

After completing the full course of immunotherapy, many patients experience lasting relief from their symptoms. For some, this can mean years of reduced allergy symptoms without daily medication. Others may still need occasional treatment, but at much lower doses.

Post-treatment steps include:

• Periodic check-ups with your allergist

• Possible retesting to evaluate progress

• Ongoing environmental control strategies to reduce allergen exposure

Talk to a Doctor About Allergy Relief 

Immunotherapy can transform the way you manage your seasonal allergies. If you’re tired of depending on allergy medications that only mask your symptoms, consider long-term treatment with allergy shots.

The expert team at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in Philadelphia and New Jersey is ready to help you breathe easier and enjoy life year-round. Schedule an appointment with our allergy specialists today to explore your options and begin your journey to lasting relief.

FAQs about Immunotherapy for Pollen Allergies

How soon will I feel better after starting immunotherapy?

Most patients begin to notice improvement within 3 to 6 months of starting allergy shots. However, full benefits often develop after 12 months of consistent treatment and continue to increase over time.

Can children receive allergy immunotherapy?

Yes. Children over the age of five are typically eligible for immunotherapy, especially if they have persistent allergic rhinitis or asthma triggered by pollen or dust mites. Our team ensures each child’s treatment is tailored and closely monitored.

How do you maintain immunity against pollen allergens after immunotherapy?

After completing immunotherapy, it’s important to continue avoiding known allergens as much as possible. Regular follow-ups, occasional booster shots, and lifestyle changes like using HEPA filters can help maintain your results long-term.

Are allergy shots better than allergy drops?

Allergy shots are often considered more effective due to their customization and wide range of treated allergens. Allergy drops may be suitable for certain patients but aren’t as widely used or regulated in the U.S.

What should I do if I miss an allergy shot appointment?

Call your allergist as soon as possible. Missing a dose may require adjusting your treatment schedule or repeating a previous dose to ensure continued safety and effectiveness.

Schedule your consultation today with Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy to find out if allergy shots for pollen could be the right path toward clearer breathing and fewer allergy symptoms.