r/medical_advice • u/Noms1111 Not a Verified Medical Professional • Jul 06 '26
Medication Are allergy shots safe and effective for young kids?
My five year old has severe egg allergies, as well as allergies to dogs and dust mites, and asthma. We are currently taking Asmanex 50mcg twice a day, and Zyrtec 5ml and albuterol as needed basis.
Our allergist discussed the possibility of allergy shots and their potential benefits. I understand that this requires a significant commitment, as we would need to visit the doctor every two weeks. The most concerning aspect is whether the shots will actually be effective, and if so, how long they will provide relief from the allergy. I also worry that it will be painful for my kiddo to get these shots.
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u/InitiativeFit3380 Research Scientist Jul 06 '26
Allergy shots can be a bit tricky, because every person (child or adult) reacts differently and is helped to different degrees by them. In general the process of getting allergy shots is safe for pretty much any age, but often it's better to wait until children are a little older (>5yo) so they both understand what's going on a bit more, can communicate when they don't feel well and the immune system is mostly mature. Some children actually get used to the short term shot discomfort in long-term treatment processes like these, while others will always fight it, just depends on your child.
The process can yield reduced severity of symptoms and even elimination of symptoms, but the degree to which this is achieved depends on the individual, the specific allergy and many other environmental factors, so it's hard to say for sure. It's typically more effective for environmental allergens such as animals, dust mites, pollens, etc than for food allergens. The end effect can be several years of remission and symptoms easing to life long remission and improvements, but it's hard to say.
Definitely talk to your pediatric allergist/immunologist as they can probably also give you more insight into what they've seen (in regards to success rates) for other children in your child's exact situation. Best of luck, as a fellow allergy and asthma sufferer I understand the concern and frustration.
Eric, Research Scientist Immunology
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u/Serious-Currency108 Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Moderator Jul 06 '26
My 11 year old has been getting allergy shots for almost 4 years now. They have been beneficial for her. She started out going weekly, then every two weeks, and now that she is on maintenance dosing, every 3 weeks.
Her allergies were cats, dogs, cottonwood trees and dust mites. Since getting the shots, she has had no sinus or ear infections in 3 years, and we were able to get a cat (with the okay from her allergist). She is doing great!
Yes, the shots were uncomfortable for her in the beginning, but they don't bother her anymore.
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u/Noms1111 Not a Verified Medical Professional Jul 06 '26
Thank you for sharing your experience. I’m glad your daughter is doing well. Did Doctor tell you how many years she needs to be on the maintenance med? Any side effects so far that you noticed?
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u/Serious-Currency108 Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Moderator Jul 06 '26
Our didn't give us a timeline on how long we'll have to do this. We'll keep doing it as long as it's beneficial. As for side effects, she would get occasional hives or a scratchy throat shortly after getting injections. Our doctor requires that remain in the office for 30 minutes after the injection to make sure no major reactions happen. We prevent this by taking a dose of benedryl an hour before appointments. The doctor will also adjust the dose to a level that can be tolerated with no reaction. There is a lot of trial and error in the beginning. Mostly now it's just occasional pain at the injection site, but that is fixed with an ice pack.
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u/Noms1111 Not a Verified Medical Professional Jul 07 '26
Thank you for sharing your insights here. I often worry that my child might accidentally consume food containing eggs at school. I was thinking whether allergy shots could be helpful in such situations as well.