Long-Term Allergy Relief!

Get Your Allergy Shots in St. Louis, Missouri

Allergy shots are available in St. Louis MO and can provide long-term symptom alleviation in individuals with nasal allergies, eye allergies, stinging insect allergies, allergic asthma, and other allergic conditions. Allergy shot provider Dr. Sonia Cajigal is a board-certified allergist and immunologist in St. Louis, Missouri and can help you understand your condition and determine if allergy shots are right for you. We are currently accepting new adult and pediatric patients for allergy shots, so schedule a visit to learn more!

“Dr. Cajigal was friendly, professional, and informative. She took the time to explain the tests and what was going on with my allergies. She is so knowledgeable and really cared about how I was feeling. I would highly recommend this practice if you suffer from allergies and asthma.”

– Sue D, July 2020

Food Allergy Doctor Sonia Cajigal of St. Louis Family Allergy in St. Louis, Missouri
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About Allergy Shots

Allergy Shots Overview

How Allergy Shots Work

Side Effects of Allergy Shots

Are Shots Right For Me?

Our Shot Schedule

Allergy shots, also called subcutaneous immunotherapy, can provide long-term symptom relief in individuals with allergic rhinitis, eye allergies, stinging insect allergies, and allergic asthma. Allergy shots are usually recommended for patients who have not had success with more conservative therapies like antihistamines or corticosteroids, or for patients who cannot tolerate the more conservative medical therapies.

Allergy shots have distinct advantages over allergy medications. Whereas allergy medications treat symptoms and manage inflammation, allergy shots can decrease or eliminate allergic disease. An allergy shot works by decreasing sensitivity to allergens and often provides lasting relief of allergy symptoms even after treatment is stopped. In addition to decreasing symptoms, allergy shots can also prevent the development of new allergies, and prevent the progression of allergic disease from allergic rhinitis to asthma in children.

Get Your Allergy Shots

in St. Louis, Missouri

Woman receiving allergy shots

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

An allergy shot works similar to a vaccine. A particular allergen is introduced in gradually increasing doses, allowing the body to respond by developing immunity or tolerance to the allergen. Allergy shots are administered in two phases:

 

  1. Build-up phase: Shots are administered with increasing amounts of the allergen(s) about 1 or 2 times per week.
  2. Maintenance phase: The maintenance phase begins once the therapeutic dose is reached, usually with longer periods of time between treatments. Maintenance is generally continued for 3 to 5 years.

Side Effects of Allergy Shots

Possible side effects of allergy shots include increased allergy symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, or hives. Serious anaphylactic reactions to an allergy shot are rare, but patients should be prepared in case of throat swelling, wheezing, tightness in the chest, nausea, or dizziness. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

If a serious allergy shot reaction does occur, it usually develops within 30 minutes of the injection. For this reason, patients are required to wait in our office for at least 30 minutes after receiving their allergy shot. This also emphasizes the importance of receiving an allergy shot from a board-certified allergist, as an allergist has the proper staff and equipment on hand to identify and treat adverse reactions to the allergy shot.

Get Your Allergy Shots

in St. Louis, Missouri

Allergy shots equipment, serum and needle

Are Allergy Shots Right For Me?

Dr. Cajigal can help you determine if allergy shots are right for you or your children. Common considerations include:

  • How well medications and environmental controls are helping your allergy symptoms
  • Length of allergy season and severity of your symptoms (seasonal allergy shots)
  • Your desire to avoid long-term medication use
  • Time available to receive the allergy shot
  • Cost of allergy shots (insurance coverage can vary by location and provider)

Our Allergy Shot Schedule in St. Louis MO

We are currently providing shots by appointment throughout our regular business hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 4:00pm.

We hope you’ve found this information helpful. Get in touch with us at St. Louis Family Allergy to learn more about allergy shots! We’re looking forward to your visit.

References

[1] American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: https://acaai.org/
[2] Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: https://www.aafa.org/
More Specialties

Asthma

Drug Allergies

Eye Allergies

Food Allergies

Nasal Allergies

Skin Allergies

Allergy Shots

Allergy Testing

Biologic Therapy

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Visit Allergist Dr. Sonia Cajigal of St. Louis Family Allergy in St. Louis, Missouri

Allergist
Dr. Sonia Cajigal

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St. Louis Family Allergy Google review score badge
"Dr. Cajigal was friendly, professional, and informative. She took the time to explain the tests and what was going on with my allergies. She is so knowledgeable and really cared about how I was feeling. I would highly recommend this practice if you suffer from allergies and asthma."

- Sue D, July 2020

“Dr Cajigal is a great listener. She trusts her patients instead of treating them as if they are not the experts of their own bodies. I really appreciate that (many doctors do not have that quality). She also immediately treats the symptoms instead of waiting to see if things clear. I use her for my children and myself. We have never left her office feeling as if it was a waste of time.”

– Stephanie, August 2020

"Great Allergist!"

- Ann H, December 2018

"She is the best."

- Stephen W, June 2020

Schedule Your Visit

We are currently accepting new adult and pediatric patients at St. Louis Family Allergy!

Reach out by phone, instant message, email, or the submission form below to schedule your visit.

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