How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost?

If you have allergies, you know how frustrating they can be. Sneezing, itchy eyes, and a stuffy nose can make it hard to enjoy your day. Many people take medicine to feel better, but the symptoms often come back.

But if you want a long-term solution, there is another option — allergy shots. These shots train your body to handle allergens better, so your reactions become weaker over time. While they take patience, many people find that allergy shots help them feel better in the long run.

Here’s what you need to know. 

What are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots, also called allergen immunotherapy, are a long-term treatment for allergies. They help reduce reactions by slowly exposing the immune system to small, controlled amounts of an allergen. Over time, this helps the body build tolerance.

Allergen immunotherapy is recommended only when there is clear evidence of an IgE-mediated allergic reaction that matches a patient's symptoms [*].

The treatment has two phases. The buildup phase involves weekly or biweekly injections with increasing doses for several months. The maintenance phase follows, with a steady dose given every few weeks for several years.

Allergy shots work well for pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and insect sting allergies. Many people find lasting relief from their symptoms with this treatment.

How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost?

Allergy shots usually cost between $1,000 and $4,000 per year without insurance, but the price varies based on several factors. These include your location, treatment length, and the amount of serum you need.

Medical costs differ by region. For example, treatments in cities like New York or Los Angeles may cost more than in smaller towns. The length of your treatment plan also affects the price.  Allergy immunotherapy typically lasts 3 to 5 years [*]. Longer treatments require more injections, which increases costs.

The amount of serum needed for your allergies is another factor. Higher doses or multiple allergens can raise the total expense.

Are Allergy Shots Covered By Insurance?

Yes, most health insurance plans help pay for allergy shots, but you might still have to cover some costs yourself. These costs depend on your insurance plan, copay, and deductible.

Many insurance plans require a copay, which is a small fee you pay each time you get a shot. Since allergy shots happen often, these fees can add up over time. Another cost to consider is the deductible, which is the amount of money you must pay on your own before your insurance starts helping with the costs.

For example, if allergy shots cost $2,000 per year and your deductible is $500, you would have to pay the first $500 out of pocket. After that, your insurance might cover 80% of the remaining cost, which would be $1,200, leaving you to pay $300. In this case, your total cost for the year would be $800 ($500 deductible + $300 from the remaining balance).

Not all insurance plans cover allergy shots the same way. Some might pay a larger portion, while others may require extra approvals before they help with costs.

It’s best to call your insurance company and ask about your copay, deductible, coverage percentage, and any pre-approval requirements.

Are Allergy Shots Worth the Money?

Allergy shots can be a good choice for people who have really bad allergies, especially if medicine or other treatments don’t help. These shots can make allergies much better over time, but they take a long time to work.

Even though it takes a long time, many people find that allergy shots help them feel better and have fewer allergy problems in the future.

How Often Do You Need Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots have a set schedule that helps your body get used to allergens over time. The treatment is divided into two main phases.

The first part is called the build-up phase. During this time, you get 1 to 3 shots per week for about 3 to 6 months. The doctor slowly increases the amount of allergen in each shot. This helps your body learn to handle the allergen without reacting too much.

After that, you move to the maintenance phase. In this phase, you only need one shot a month. This continues for 3 to 5 years or longer, depending on how well your body adjusts.

It’s very important to stick to the schedule. If you miss too many shots, the treatment may not work as well. Allergy shots take time, but many people find that they help reduce allergy symptoms in the long run.

The Bottom Line

Allergy shots can be a great way to reduce allergy symptoms for a long time. They help your body get used to allergens so that your reactions become weaker over time. While they take patience, many people find that allergy shots are worth it.

However, allergy shots aren’t the only option! If you’re looking for fast relief, Allermi combination nasal spray can help. It’s designed by doctors to target multiple allergy symptoms at once, including sneezing, congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes.

Many patients use both allergy shots and Allermi nasal spray for a two-way approach towards allergy relief: immunotherapy and symptom control. This way, you can breathe easier while you wait for long-term treatments to work.

References:

1. Persaud Y, Memon RJ, Savliwala MN. Allergy Immunotherapy. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535367/
2. Allergy shots - Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/allergy-shots/about/pac-20392876