Cost vs. Benefit: Are Allergy Shots Worth the Price?

Allergies can be a nightmare. Dealing with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat can be annoying and uncomfortable throughout the day (not to mention through the night). Regular ‘ol allergy treatments, like corticosteroids, decongestants, and antihistamines, can help, but they usually only last a day or two.

If you’re sick and tired of the repetitive cycle of taking those allergy treatments, you might find yourself searching for an option with a longer-lasting effect. Enter allergy immunotherapy, a powerful treatment that offers promising results.

Allergy immunotherapy can greatly improve allergic symptoms, potentially even eliminating your symptoms to the point you can be around the allergy without discomfort. But before you begin, you’ll learn about the rather steep price tag. So, do the benefits of allergy shots outweigh the cost? Are they worth it? In this blog, we’ll explore allergy shots and their benefits and costs to help you decide whether they’re worth it for you.

What Are Allergy Shots?

An allergy shot is a type of allergy immunotherapy (AIT), a treatment that desensitizes the body to a particular allergen. This particular type of AIT, called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), is administered under the skin via injection.

They deliver a small dose of whatever allergen you’re allergic to, such as pollen, northern pasture grasses, or pet dander. This exposes your immune system to the allergen, giving it the opportunity to build an allergen-specific tolerance. Over time, the repeated exposure reduces the production of the “blocking” antibody that is responsible for kickstarting the allergic reaction.

So, with time and consistency, you might find that you experience little to no allergic reaction around the allergen. Of course, everybody is different, so results can vary. Most folks notice minor improvements within the first year, but for most, it takes two to three years for the best results to appear.

Are Allergy Shots Effective?

Allergy shots have been proven to be highly effective in treating allergies. Hundreds of studies and trials document this efficacy, many of which are readily available online.

For example, a handful of research and clinical trials demonstrate how effective subcutaneous injections can be in achieving an allergen-specific tolerance. The repeated injections can achieve a tolerance that remains for years after discontinuing treatment.

A European study, which compared an AIT-treated group to a control group, backs up those findings. It found that the treated group was consistently associated with more significant reductions in allergic rhinitis and asthma prescriptions than the control group. It also found that the AIT-treated group was substantially more likely to step down asthma treatment.

Benefits of Allergy Shots

Allergy shots, alongside other types of allergy immunotherapy, can offer multiple benefits, including:

• Reduced symptoms: With time and consistency, allergy shots can dramatically reduce allergic symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, a scratchy throat, and a runny nose.
• Long-term results: Unlike common over-the-counter medications and treatments, allergy shots can provide long-term relief. The effects last much longer than the 24-48 hours of other treatments, often lasting years or indefinitely.

• Reduced need for medications: A well-rounded allergy shot treatment program can help reduce your need for meds like antihistamines, eye drops, nasal sprays, and other treatments designed to address allergic symptoms.
• Prevent the development of new allergies: Allergy shots can prevent the development of new allergies, saving you the headache of dealing with the same symptoms for a different allergy.

How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost?

Allergy shot costs can be steep. Most people pay between $1,000 and $4,000 per year per person. If you need to treat multiple people in your family, those costs may become too high to manage. Thankfully, there are ways to manage costs.

The first is to enlist help from your health insurance policy. Most health insurance providers offer coverage for allergy shots. While you’ll still need to pay your deductible and copay (which varies depending on your policy and provider), costs are generally far more manageable.

The second is to consider an alternative treatment option. For example, sublingual immunotherapy treatment programs, such as those involving drops or tablets, are generally much more affordable. They can be as low as $50 monthly plus copays, making them far more manageable, even on a snug budget.

If you prefer allergy shots, consider looking for a provider offering payment plans or more affordable pricing. Your healthcare provider might have some input into options in your area that may fit your budget, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.

The Verdict: Are Allergy Shots Worth the Cost?

Allergy immunotherapy isn’t cheap; there’s no doubt about that. However, considering the far-reaching benefits, allergy immunotherapy can be well worth the cost. If you have health insurance coverage or choose a more affordable alternative treatment (like sublingual immunotherapy), you can enjoy the benefits of allergy immunotherapy without the staggering costs.

If you’re considering allergy shots or immunotherapy, remember to chat with your doctor or allergist. They can help you find an option that fits your needs, medical history, and budget.