Allergy Shots vs. Oral Immunotherapy: What’s the Difference and Which is Right for You?

At Allergy & Asthma Center, we offer advanced treatments for both environmental and food allergies, including allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy, or SCIT) and oral immunotherapy (OIT). These therapies are designed to help our patients achieve long-term relief by gradually training the immune system to become less reactive to allergens.

Allergy shots are a well-established treatment we provide for patients with allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and stinging insects. During SCIT, small amounts of allergen extracts are injected under the skin, usually in the upper arm. Over time, these injections help decrease the immune system’s sensitivity, leading to fewer symptoms and less reliance on allergy medications. Treatments are administered right here in our office, with protocols tailored to each patient’s needs and typically requiring regular visits over several months to years.

For patients with food allergies, such as those to peanuts, milk, or eggs, our center offers oral immunotherapy. With OIT, patients ingest very small, controlled amounts of the allergenic food under close medical supervision. Doses are gradually increased according to a personalized plan. The goal is to raise your body’s tolerance to the allergen, reducing the risk of severe reactions from accidental exposures. OIT usually involves daily maintenance dosing and can significantly improve quality of life for those living with food allergies.

We are committed to providing advanced treatment options for individuals living with food allergies. One of the innovative therapies we offer is Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), a clinically proven approach designed to help patients reduce their sensitivity to specific food allergens.

OIT involves administering very small, carefully measured amounts of the allergen by mouth, under the close supervision of our experienced allergists. Over time, these doses are gradually increased, allowing your immune system to become less reactive. The main aim of OIT is not to cure the allergy, but to increase your body’s threshold for reacting to the allergen. This means that accidental exposures are less likely to result in severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis.

By retraining your immune system through this gradual process, many of our patients experience a significant reduction in allergy symptoms and gain greater confidence in their daily lives. While OIT is not suitable for everyone and does carry some risks, it can offer a safer, more effective way to manage severe or life-threatening allergies.

Your safety is our top priority. All OIT treatments are carefully customized and closely monitored by our board-certified allergists, ensuring you receive expert care every step of the way. If you or your child suffer from food allergies and want to learn more about oral immunotherapy, contact Allergy & Asthma Center to schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you breathe easier and live better.

We are committed to offering the most effective, evidence-based treatments for allergies. Two of the most advanced options in allergy management are allergy shots (subcutaneous immunotherapy, SCIT) and oral immunotherapy (OIT). Understanding the differences between these treatments can help you and your allergist determine the best approach for your unique needs.

Allergy shots have been a cornerstone of treatment at Allergy & Asthma Center for decades. They are proven to reduce symptoms for people suffering from environmental allergies, such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and insect stings. Administered in our clinic, this therapy involves regular injections of small, increasing amounts of the allergen. Over time, this can lead to significant symptom relief and, in some cases, long-lasting remission even after completion of the treatment cycle. Our board-certified allergists closely monitor each patient, ensuring both safety and the best possible outcomes.

For patients with food allergies—especially to peanuts, milk, or eggs—oral immunotherapy is an innovative option now available at Allergy & Asthma Center. OIT involves ingesting controlled, gradually increasing doses of the allergen under careful medical supervision. This process can significantly raise the threshold needed to trigger a reaction, providing added protection against accidental exposures. However, OIT typically requires ongoing regular ingestion of the allergen to maintain this protection. Unlike allergy shots, OIT is not recommended for treating environmental allergies.

We understand that every patient’s experience with seasonal allergies is unique. As you consider your options for long-term allergy relief, it’s important to know how both allergy shots and oral immunotherapy can help—and which might be best for you.

Allergy Shots (Subcutaneous Immunotherapy, SCIT): Allergy shots have been a cornerstone of allergy treatment for decades and are highly effective for patients with moderate to severe symptoms that don’t respond well to medications or avoidance. At Allergy & Asthma Center, our board-certified allergists create a personalized injection schedule tailored to your specific allergies—such as pollens, molds, and pet dander. The treatment involves regular injections at our clinic, starting with a build-up phase of weekly visits, followed by less frequent maintenance shots. Over time, your immune system becomes less sensitive to allergens, leading to fewer symptoms and less reliance on daily medications.

Oral Immunotherapy (Sublingual Immunotherapy, SLIT): For some patients, especially those who prefer not to receive injections or have busy schedules, oral immunotherapy may be a great alternative. We offer sublingual tablets for specific allergens like grass, ragweed, and dust mites. After your initial dose is supervised in our clinic for safety, you can take the remaining doses at home. SLIT is generally very safe, with most patients experiencing only mild side effects, such as mouth or throat irritation.

Our experienced providers will work closely with you to determine the best treatment based on your specific allergy triggers, lifestyle, and medical history. Both treatments require a long-term commitment for maximum benefit, typically lasting several years. While you may not experience immediate relief, our team will guide you through each step and adjust your treatment as needed. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Atlanta GA, Conyers GA and Lawrenceville GA. We serve patients from Atlanta GA, Conyers GA, Lawrenceville GA, Suwanee GA, Duluth GA, Grayson GA, Decatur GA, Brookhaven GA, Lithonia GA and Covington GA.