Subcutaneous immunotherapy vaccines have been developed to reduce allergic symptoms caused by agents you are sensitised to. They are given by injection.
The active agents in the immunotherapy vaccines are called allergens.
Allergens are the substances your body is allergic to and which cause your immune system to react in a way that causes your allergy symptoms.
These allergens are extracted and made into an injectable vaccine.
As a general rule, injections will initially be given weekly. During this time the dose will be gradually increased until the maximum dose is reached.
Once the maintenance dose has been reached, a further dose will be given a fortnight later with subsequent injections every four weeks thereafter for three to five years.
The specific dosing regimen is at the discretion of your doctor and is based on your reactions and history so the frequency may vary from the regime discussed above.
Allergic extracts must only be given if there are immediately accessible means (eg subcutaneous adrenalin) able to be given in case you suffer a generalized reaction. These treatments must therefore be performed in suitably equipped medical practices, outpatient departments or hospitals and never at home.
After giving each and every one of the doses you must remain for at least 30 minutes at the centre in which the preparation has been administered.
Immunotherapy vaccines are supplied pursuant to s29 of the Medicines Act 1981. Your doctor can discuss this further with you.
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