Cluster Therapy Specialist

What are allergy cluster shots?

If you suffer from allergies, allergy cluster shots — or cluster immunotherapy — helps desensitize your immune system to reduce or eliminate symptoms. The purpose of allergy cluster shots is rapid relief using a more aggressive allergy injection regimen for faster desensitization.

How often will I receive allergy cluster shots?

Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan will let you know how often you’ll need allergy cluster injections to achieve optimal results. The doctor might recommend the following shot schedule:

• Multiple allergy injections the first three appointments to build a tolerance quickly
• Injections 1-2 times weekly for 1-2 months
• Less frequent injections (maintenance phase) after two months

Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan will help you determine the best allergy cluster injection regimen for you based on your allergy symptoms, injection frequency, and how your immune system builds up an allergen tolerance over time.

What are the benefits of allergy cluster shots?

The primary benefit of allergy cluster shots versus traditional immunotherapy is the time it takes to achieve the desired results. You might reach the maintenance phase after just 1-2 months with cluster shots versus 3-6 months of traditional therapy. What does that mean for you? Faster allergy symptom relief.

What should I expect during treatment?

Before your first set of allergy cluster shots, you will be instructed to take medications that reduce your risk of severe allergic reactions during immunotherapy.

Dr. Geller and Dr. Chan inject numerous allergens into your upper arm. Within the first month or two, weekly or biweekly cluster shot appointments might last about two hours. During and after the injections you might experience:

• Swelling
• Itchy skin
• Redness
• Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Hives or a rash

Your doctor carefully monitors you for (or treats) severe allergic reactions. The skilled and compassionate team at Allergy & Clinical Immunology Medical Group may also keep you at the office during an observation period to minimize risks.

Am I a good candidate for allergy cluster shots?

To determine if you’re a good candidate for allergy cluster shots, your doctor will review your individual medical history and any medications you may be taking before recommending allergy cluster shots. You must be willing to commit to a frequent injection schedule initially. If you have asthma it should be well controlled before you begin treatment.

If you’re tired of uncomfortable allergy symptoms and want rapid relief, schedule an appointment with Allergy & Clinical Immunology Medical Group by phone or online today.