Allergy Shots Cost

• For a patient not covered by health insurance, allergy shot cost consists of two parts: the vial of allergy serum -- which usually costs about $100 and contains about 10 shots -- and the administration of the injection. The cost for administration of the shot, including preparation of the allergy serum, is about $20 to $100 per visit, depending on whether a doctor or nurse administers the shots and whether more than one shot is administered. If shots are needed weekly, that's $1,560 to $3,900 per year, including the serum cost. In subsequent years, frequency might drop to twice a month, so the yearly cost would be about $720 to $1,800 per year, including the serum cost.
• Allergy shots are often covered by health insurance. For patients covered by health insurance, typical out-of-pocket costs include a copay, usually between $10 and $25 per visit, or a percentage of the cost, usually between 10 and 40 percent. This can add up to between $500 and $1,300 -- with an average cost of $800 -- for the first year, which is the most expensive. For the next two to four years, yearly costs range from $170 to $290 per year. So, total out-of-pocket cost of the entire treatment can range from a little more than $800 on the low end to almost $2,500 on the high end.

• Allergy shots can be used to treat a range of allergies including seasonal allergies, such as to ragweed and pollen; indoor allergies, such as to dust mites, mold and pet dander; and allergies to stings of insects, such as bees, wasps and hornets.
• Allergy shots sometimes require years of treatments before immunity is achieved. Usually, the buildup phase, in which the dosage is gradually increased and shots are administered one to three times a week at the doctor's office, lasts three to seven months. Then, the maintenance phase, in which a consistent maintenance dose is administered once a month, can last three to five years.
• Allergy shots usually start to work within four to six months, but can take a year or more.

• Some patients suffer a recurrence and need additional shots after the initial three- to five-year treatment. It is estimated at 75 to 85 percent of patient improve significantly.

• Allergy drops, which are not yet FDA approved but are prescribed by some doctors as an off-label drug, are not covered by insurance but provide a less expensive and possibly more convenient alternative to allergy shots because they are self-administered daily, under the tongue. They cost about $12 per week or a little more than $600 per year.

• Before considering allergy shots, it is important to get tested by a board-certified allergist to confirm the allergy. Board-certified allergists have completed a three-year residency in internal medicine or pediatrics, followed by two to three years of study in allergy and immunology. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology offers an allergist locator by zip code. Or call their hotline, 1-800-842-7777 for a referral.
• After testing, talk to your allergist about whether you are a good candidate for allergy shots. Allergy shots do not work for food allergies or people with chronic hives, and they are not recommended for people with severe uncontrolled asthma or heart problems, especially those taking beta blockers. And allergy shots should not be started during pregnancy, but may continue during pregnancy if started before conception.
• Allergy shots are considered fairly low risk. Side effects can include redness, swelling and itching at the injection site or, less commonly, a systemic reaction that can include sneezing, wheezing and hives. Most reactions occur within 30 minutes and can be treated by the allergist. In very rare cases, deaths have occurred.
• For patients wishing to see faster results, a more intensive allergy shot regimen might be available.

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