Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy) | Langford Allergy

Build Up Your Immunity to Allergies Through Immunotherapy

If you are tired of managing allergy symptoms with daily medications, allergy immunotherapy may be the right solution for you. At Langford Allergy, our board-certified allergists offer allergy shots—the only clinically proven treatment that targets the root cause of allergic disease, rather than just the symptoms.

Unlike antihistamines or nasal sprays that provide temporary relief, immunotherapy gradually retrains your immune system to tolerate the substances that trigger your reactions. Over time, most patients experience a significant and lasting reduction in symptoms, and many reduce or eliminate their need for allergy medications altogether.

Ready to find lasting relief? Call 478-216-1290 to schedule your immunotherapy consultation.

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

Allergy shots work by exposing your immune system to very small, controlled amounts of the allergens that trigger your symptoms. This process, called desensitization, gradually reduces your immune system’s sensitivity so that it no longer overreacts when you encounter those allergens in everyday life.

Treatment is delivered in two phases:

Build-Up Phase (2–6 months)

You receive injections one to three times per week, with the allergen dose gradually increasing each visit until you reach your target maintenance dose. Because the injection is subcutaneous (just under the skin) rather than intramuscular, patients typically experience little to no soreness at the injection site.

Maintenance Phase (3–5 years)

Once your maintenance dose is established, visits become less frequent, typically once a month. This is the phase during which most patients notice the greatest and most sustained symptom relief. We offer flexible hours at our locations to fit your schedule.

For your safety, we ask that all patients remain at our office for 20 minutes after each injection. This observation period allows our clinical team to monitor for any rare reactions and respond immediately if needed.

Rush Immunotherapy

Some patients can benefit from Rush Immunotherapy, an allergy shot program designed to speed up the build-up phase and reach maintenance at a faster pace than standard immunotherapy. While it is not a viable solution for everyone, it can be safe and effective for qualifying patients.

Discover if Rush Immunotherapy Is Right for You. Schedule a Consultation With Langford Allergy Today: 478-216-1290

What Allergies Can Immunotherapy Treat?

Immunotherapy is effective for a wide range of allergic conditions. At Langford Allergy, we commonly treat patients for:

Grass, tree, and weed pollen allergies
Year-round nasal allergies and hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
Allergic asthma
Dust mite allergies
Pet dander allergies (cats, dogs, and other animals)
Mold spore allergies
Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis)
Stinging insect allergies (bees, wasps, hornets)
Hives triggered by environmental allergens
Immunologic conditions related to allergen sensitivity

Not sure if your condition qualifies? Our allergists will evaluate your history and test results to determine whether immunotherapy is the right fit for you.

Am I a Good Candidate for Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots may be a good option if you:

Have allergic symptoms that are difficult to control with medication alone
Experience symptoms for more than three months out of the year
Want to reduce your long-term dependence on allergy medications
Have allergic asthma triggered by environmental allergens
Are looking for a long-term solution rather than ongoing symptom management
Have experienced a serious reaction to a stinging insect and are at risk of future exposures

Immunotherapy is appropriate for children and adults alike. Our team will conduct a thorough allergy evaluation, including allergy skin testing or blood testing, before recommending immunotherapy, ensuring that your treatment plan is built around your specific allergen profile.

Allergy Shots vs. Daily Allergy Medication: What’s the Difference?

Allergy medications like antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and decongestants are effective tools for managing symptoms. Still, they work only as long as you take them. When you stop, your symptoms return because the underlying immune response has not changed.

Immunotherapy modifies the immune system’s response to allergens, meaning allergy shots can provide lasting relief even after treatment ends. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), immunotherapy is the only allergy treatment that changes the underlying disease, not just the symptoms.

Many patients who complete immunotherapy have reduce or eliminate their need for daily allergy medications. For those with allergic asthma, immunotherapy can also reduce the frequency and severity of asthma flare-ups.

What to Expect: Immunotherapy at Langford Allergy

Step 1: Allergy Evaluation and Testing

Before starting immunotherapy, you’ll have a comprehensive evaluation with our team. This includes a review of your medical history and allergy skin testing or blood testing to identify your specific triggers.

Step 2: Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your test results, our team creates a customized allergen extract formulated for your specific sensitivities. No two treatment plans are identical.

Step 3: Build-Up Phase (Months 1–6)

You receive injections one to three times per week at our office, with doses gradually increasing. Many patients begin noticing symptom improvement during this phase.

Step 4: Maintenance Phase (Years 1–5)

You transition to monthly maintenance injections, which fit more easily into most schedules. Symptom relief typically deepens during this phase. We work with you to find shot times that minimize disruption to your day.

Step 5: Completing Treatment & Long-Term Relief

Most patients complete immunotherapy after 3–5 years of maintenance. Many continue to experience significant allergy relief long after their final injection.

Allergy Shots & Insurance Coverage

Allergy immunotherapy is a medically recognized treatment and is covered by most major health insurance plans, including many Medicare and Medicaid plans. Coverage details vary depending on your specific plan, deductible, and out-of-pocket maximums. Our team will help you verify your benefits before you begin treatment. Call us at 478-216-1290, and we’ll walk you through what to expect.

Frequently Asked Questions About Allergy Immunotherapy

How long does it take for allergy shots to work?

Many patients begin noticing symptom improvement within the first few months of the build-up phase. More significant and lasting relief typically develops during the maintenance phase. The full course of treatment spans 3–5 years, and many patients experience benefits that continue well after completing treatment.

Are allergy shots safe for children?

Yes. Allergy immunotherapy is safe and effective for children and adults. In fact, starting immunotherapy earlier in life may help prevent the development of new allergies and reduce the risk of allergic asthma. Our allergists will determine whether your child is a good candidate during their evaluation.

What is the difference between allergy shots and allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy)?

Allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy, or SCIT) are injections administered in our office. They are the most widely studied and established form of immunotherapy. Allergy drops (sublingual immunotherapy, or SLIT) are placed under the tongue and can sometimes be used at home. Our allergists will recommend the approach best suited to your condition and lifestyle.

Do allergy shots hurt?

Most patients tolerate allergy shots very well. Because the injection is subcutaneous (just beneath the skin surface) rather than intramuscular, it typically causes minimal discomfort. Some patients experience mild redness, itching, or slight swelling at the injection site, which usually resolves quickly.

What are the risks or side effects of immunotherapy?

Local reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling, or itching, are common and usually mild. Systemic reactions are rare but possible, which is why we ask patients to wait 20 minutes at our office after each injection so our clinical team can monitor and respond promptly if needed.

Can I stop allergy shots early if I feel better?

We recommend completing the full course of treatment for the best long-term results. Stopping early may reduce the lasting benefit of immunotherapy. If you have concerns about your schedule or are experiencing side effects, talk with our team. We can often adjust your treatment plan rather than discontinue it.

Do I need an allergy test before starting immunotherapy?

Yes. Allergy testing—whether skin, patch, or blood—is an essential first step. Testing identifies which specific allergens are triggering your symptoms so we can create a customized treatment extract for you. Your initial consultation at Langford Allergy will include a full evaluation.

Will I need to take time off work for allergy shots?

During the build-up phase, visits are more frequent (one to three times per week), but each appointment is brief—typically 30 minutes or less, including the required 20-minute observation period. We offer convenient shot hours at our locations and work with patients to find times that minimize disruption to their work and family schedules. During the maintenance phase, visits drop to once a month.

Why Choose Langford Allergy for Immunotherapy?

At Langford Allergy, our physicians are board-certified allergists and immunologists with extensive experience diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of allergic disease. We take a personalized approach to every patient, from your initial evaluation through your final maintenance injection.

Board-certified allergists with specialized training in immunotherapy
Customized allergen extracts tailored to your specific test results
Flexible shot hours designed to work with your schedule
On-site clinical monitoring for your safety after every injection
Convenient locations serving Macon, GA, and the surrounding region
A team committed to reducing your long-term dependence on allergy medications

Take the First Step Toward Lasting Allergy Relief

If you’re ready to stop managing your allergies and start treating them, Langford Allergy is here to help. Our team will assess your symptoms, perform the necessary testing, and determine whether immunotherapy is the right path forward for you.

Call 478-216-1290 or Send Us a Message to Schedule Your Consultation.

Serving Patients Throughout Middle Georgia

Langford Allergy has four convenient office locations to serve patients across the region in Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville, and Forsyth. Whether you’re searching for allergy shots near you in Bibb County, Houston County, Baldwin County, or Monroe County, our team is close by and ready to help.