Allergy shots, also known as allergy immunotherapy, are a popular and effective treatment option for people suffering from severe allergic reactions. However, the cost of this treatment can be a concern for many individuals, as it can be steep. Of course, it varies based on several factors unique to your treatment program and allergy, including the type of allergy, severity of your allergy, and dosage frequency.
In this article, we will explore the factors that affect the price of allergy shots, what you can expect to pay, and some options available to help you manage the cost.
What is an Allergy Shot?
An allergy shot is a type of allergy immunotherapy (AIT), often called subcutaneous immunotherapy. This treatment is designed to “train” your body to reduce its sensitivity to specific allergens, such as pet dander, pollen, or bee venom.
When you have an allergy, antibodies in your body, blood proteins that counteract a specific antigen, trigger an immune response. The immune response causes various symptoms ranging from mild to severe, from a runny nose or itchy eyes to anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
The allergy shot administers a dose of the allergen to your body. Over time, the dose increases incrementally, working to reduce the production of “blocking” antibodies that cause the reaction. The effects often begin to appear within the first year, although the best results show up in the second and third years.
Since it takes longer to work, allergy immunotherapy is a long-term commitment. However, it can be an excellent way to help reduce your body’s sensitivity to specific allergens and work toward enjoying life without the doom and gloom of allergic symptoms.
What is the Price of Allergy Shots?
Allergy shots cost vary based on factors specific to you, including the severity and types of your allergy. Most people pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for a year of immunotherapy treatment.
The per-person price can be steep, especially if multiple people in your family need treatment. However, a couple of options can help you manage the price and make it more feasible, even on tighter budgets.
For example, some immunotherapy companies offer affordable or tiered pricing plans to accommodate tighter budgets.
If you have health insurance, your policy may cover the bulk of your treatment. Many health insurance plans cover allergy immunotherapy, closing the barrier to entry and making this treatment more accessible.
It’s important to note that your insurance policy may not cover the entirety of your immunotherapy treatment program. Generally, you’ll still need to pay for your deductible or co-pay, so the treatment may not be entirely free. However, considering the standard cost of treatment, the deductible or co-pay might only be a small percentage of the original total.
If you have a health insurance plan, it pays to check with your provider. Talk to your provider about the inclusions on your policy and out-of-pocket costs for a more specific idea of what to expect. Additionally, ensure the allergist or immunotherapy provider you choose takes your insurance before you select one over the other.
Factors That Affect Allergy Shot Price
Since the severity and type of allergy can vary from one person to the next, every allergy immunotherapy plan is unique. The variation from program to program can affect the price, as each person may need different dose amounts and frequencies.
Each factor contributes to your allergy shot prices. For instance, suppose you’re receiving a dose every few days of the week while someone else gets a single dose per week. In this case, you might pay more than the other person, as your dosage frequency is higher than the other.
On top of that, the location and healthcare provider you choose may drive the price higher or lower. For example, if you select a telehealth provider that offers sublingual immunotherapy and doesn’t require in-office visits, you might pay less than someone who chooses subcutaneous immunotherapy and needs to visit their local doctor’s office.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the price of allergy shots can vary depending on various factors, such as the severity and type of allergy, dosage frequency, and healthcare provider. While the initial cost can be steep, options are available to make the treatment more affordable, such as tiered pricing plans and health insurance coverage.
If you’re considering allergy immunotherapy, it’s essential to do your research and talk to your healthcare provider about the costs and potential options for managing them. By doing so, you can make an informed decision about whether allergy shots are the right choice for you and your budget.
