How Much Do Allergy Shots Cost? A Practical Guide

Allergy shots might seem expensive, but for many people, they’re a long-term investment in relief from sneezing, congestion, and other allergy symptoms. While upfront costs can be high, insurance often helps reduce expenses, and the savings over time—both financially and in quality of life—can be significant.

Understanding Allergy Shots

Allergy shots, officially called subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT), involve injecting small doses of allergens under your skin. Over time, these doses help your immune system become less reactive to those triggers. The goal is fewer symptoms and less reliance on daily allergy medications.

Your treatment plan typically includes:

A build-up phase, when you’ll get shots frequently—often 1-3 times per week—to gradually increase your tolerance.
A maintenance phase, when injections become less frequent, dropping to every 2-4 weeks.

Because allergy shots are customized to your specific allergies, they’re not a one-size-fits-all treatment—and that personalization affects costs.

Average Cost of Allergy Shots Without Insurance

Without insurance, allergy shot treatment can cost from $1,000 to several thousand dollars per year. Your costs depend on several factors, including:

How many allergens are included in your serum mixture
How often you need injections
The clinic’s fees for administering each shot
Your geographic location

During the build-up phase, costs are higher because of the frequent visits and higher number of injections. Once you reach the maintenance phase, you’ll need fewer shots, and costs typically decrease.

Allergy Shots vs. Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT)

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is another allergy treatment option. Instead of shots, you place allergy drops or tablets under your tongue. SLIT can be less expensive—sometimes as low as a few hundred dollars annually—but there’s a catch: most insurance plans don’t cover it.

SLIT might appeal to those who prefer avoiding needles and frequent clinic visits, but keep in mind that out-of-pocket costs for this option can add up over time without insurance coverage.

Do Insurance Plans Cover Allergy Shots?

Many insurance plans, including private plans, Medicare, and Medicaid, cover allergy shots if they’re medically necessary. However, coverage varies:

Some plans fully cover the cost of the serum and administration fees.
Others may apply co-pays or co-insurance charges for each injection.
Some plans impose limits on how long they’ll cover the treatment.

Always check with your insurance provider to confirm what’s covered and what you’ll owe out of pocket.

How Allergy Shots Can Save You Money Long-Term

Although allergy shots come with higher upfront costs, they might save you money in the long run. Successful treatment can mean:

Reduced reliance on expensive daily allergy medications
Fewer doctor visits for allergy-related illnesses
Less time off work due to severe allergy symptoms

Many patients find that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial expenses, both financially and in terms of overall health and well-being.

Final Thoughts

If you’re struggling with allergies, allergy shots could be a worthwhile option. They can be pricey upfront, especially without insurance, but they offer a long-term solution that may reduce both symptoms and future medical costs. Talk to your allergist and your insurance provider to explore whether this treatment is right for you—and how to keep it affordable.

Sources

GoodRx: Allergy Shots Cost Guide – https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/allergies/allergy-shots-cost

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – https://acaai.org

Medicare Coverage of Allergy Services – https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/allergy-shots

WebMD: How Immunotherapy Works – https://www.webmd.com/allergies/immunotherapy-allergy-shots