Allergen immunotherapy works by gradually exposing your immune system to small, controlled amounts of specific allergens that trigger your allergic reactions. Over time, this repeated exposure helps your body build up a tolerance to these substances. As a result, when you encounter these allergens in your everyday environment, your immune system becomes less reactive, leading to fewer and less severe allergy symptoms. This process essentially "retrains" your immune system to be less sensitive to the allergens, reducing the need for allergy medications and improving your overall quality of life by diminishing your allergic responses to environmental triggers

Immunotherapy takes many months to become effective. We will assess this after at least 6-9 months of treatment. You must be reviewed during the course at specified intervals. A standard immunotherapy course is 3-5 years. Treatments of 3 years have been shown to continue to have benefits for 5 to 8 years after completion. It is safe to stop at any time, including if you change your mind, or circumstance change. We would also not continue if there was no improvement in your symptoms.

Initial “up-dosing” will require weekly injections for 5 weeks. After this, you will be at a stable maintenance dose, given monthly. It is important to have regular doses during the maintenance period. Longer than intended gaps between doses may require the dose to be reduced for safety.

Swelling or itch around the injection site, beginning hours after the injection is common. During Immunotherapy the dose of allergen is may change, or be repeated over time, and your body gradually adapts to become less reactive. As this is occurring there is still a small chance of an immediate allergic reaction with each injection. Because of this it important you wait in your doctor’s clinic for at least 30 minutes after each dose. Although very rare, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is possible – even if you have previously been OK with the same dose.

Discuss this with your allergy specialist to find out what product is best for you

We dispense immunotherapy kits directly from our ELIAS clinic in Ringwood. Initiation kits can be provided to you on the day of your first appointment - meaning you can start immediately.

Each kit lasts 5 months, and costs $400. Unfortunately, immunotherapy is not subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS). If you have private health insurance, check with your provider to see if it is covered.

Once you have paid for your prescription, you can pick up for immunotherapy from ELIAS Allergy Clinic, 27 Bedford Rd, Ringwood 3134

Pick up times:

·      From your doctor (during your consultation)

·      Mondays: 1pm and 4pm

·      Tuesdays: 9am and 12pm

·      Wednesdays: 1pm and 4pm

·      Other times via appointment, contact: immunotherapy@eliasallergy.com

If you have any question about paying, picking up or delivery of your immunotherapy, please email us at immunotherapy@eliasallergy.com

If you have clinical questions, please contact your allergy specialist:

Phone: 03 8676 4182

Referrals@eliasallergy.com