How Much do Allergy Shots Cost?

Last Updated on January 25, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Allergy shots, also known as allergen immunotherapy, can provide long-term relief for people suffering from allergic rhinitis, asthma, and other allergy symptoms. However, these injections require a significant time and financial commitment.

Highlights

• Total costs for allergy shots often range from $800 to $1,200 per year, factoring in insurance coverage. Out-of-pocket expenses vary.
• A customized treatment plan, insurance benefits, length of therapy, clinic fees, and more all impact the overall cost.
• Allergy shots involve an initial buildup phase with more frequent injections, followed by maintenance.
• Related costs like testing, medications, and follow-up visits add to the total expenses. Seek financial assistance if needed.
• Allergy shots require a substantial time and financial commitment. But they can provide lasting allergy relief if effective.

How Much do Allergy Shots Cost?

On average, allergy shots cost between $800 and $1200 per year when insurance coverage is factored in. However, out-of-pocket costs vary widely based on treatment duration, frequency of shots, insurance benefits, and additional services required. Analyzing the potential costs versus benefits is essential.

According to GoodRx, at one Texas clinic, the average cost to produce one allergy shot vial is $600. This vial is expected to last for one year. Some people may require multiple vials. The price for each additional vial is $300.

Receiving injections is billed separately. Administration of injections averages $10 at the Texas clinic. Most people need injections once or twice a week at first. Shots are typically given every 2 to 4 weeks.

Cure Allergy Clinic notes that self-pay pricing for allergy treatments includes a daily antihistamine (Xyzal) for $311, daily nasal spray (Flonase) for $365, medical visits (2 a year) for $400, and an asthma inhaler for $250.

Enhance Health notes that without insurance, an allergy shot generally costs up to $100. A weekly allergy shot over the course of one year can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. The difference in cost is influenced mostly by location.

In the states with the most expensive healthcare, you’ll be paying in the upper margins of the above estimates. For example, New York’s average yearly cost for allergy shots is $4,000 to $5,000. The shot administration will cost between $20 to $30 per visit.

At Aspire Allergy & Sinus, the cost for allergy treatment is $2,500 out-of-pocket for three injections administered at the clinic over eight weeks.

What Are Allergy Shots?

Allergy shots work by gradually exposing patients to tiny amounts of the allergens causing their symptoms. This incremental exposure modifies the immune system’s response over time, reducing allergic reactions to triggers like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, insect venom, or certain foods.

Patients receive regular injections on a schedule that is maintained for 3 to 5 years. Allergy shots are a form of long-term preventive medicine, rather than a quick fix. Finding an experienced allergist is recommended.

Cost Factors for Allergy Shots

Many variables influence the total cost of allergy shot treatment including:

• Health insurance coverage and co-pays
• Number of allergens treated
• Duration and frequency of treatment
• Doctor’s office fees
• Geographic location
• Additional medication needs

Treatment plans are customized to each patient’s specific allergies. This makes it difficult to pinpoint universal costs. However, analyzing the potential expenses involved allows patients to plan their allergy care budgets.

Insurance Coverage and Allergy Shots

Typically, both medical insurance plans and prescription plans provide some coverage for allergy immunotherapy. Most insurers cover allergy shots as an accepted medical practice for allergies. However, coverage varies greatly by plan.

Many insurers cover:

• 80% of the cost after deductible for the injections
• Office visit co-pays for shot administration
• A portion of allergy testing
• Some prescription medications

But other costs like deductibles or coinsurance may still apply. Confirm details with your insurance provider.

Out-of-Pocket Costs of Allergy Shots

Even with insurance, patients can expect to pay for certain expenses out-of-pocket including:

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• Deductibles which often run $200 to $500 per year
• Coinsurance of 10-30% for shots and visits
• Medication co-pays
• Uncovered services like supplemental testing

Total out-of-pocket costs often fall between $500 and $1500 per year. Using tax-advantaged HSA or FSA accounts can help offset these expenses.

Comparing Immunotherapy Costs at Different Clinics

Pricing for allergy shots can vary significantly between different clinics. When shopping around, consider factors like:

• Physician’s office vs. health system clinics
• Scope of services offered
• Insurer in-network status and negotiated discounts
• Experience and reputation for allergy treatment

Both local community clinics and specialized academic centers can provide allergy shots. Costs may range from $60 to $180 per visit. Compare options carefully.

Duration and Frequency of Treatment

Most allergy shot programs last 3 to 5 years, though some patients continue maintenance injections long-term. The frequency of shots ranges from 1 to 2 times per week during initial buildup phases, tapering to every 2 to 4 weeks during maintenance.

Patients receive an average of 20-80 shots per year. More frequent dosing and extended treatment duration equals higher costs overall. Discuss goals with your allergist.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the injections, related expenses add to the total cost of allergy shot treatment:

• Initial consultation and testing to identify allergies: $200 to $1,000
• Subsequent office visits for shots: $75 to $200 per visit
• Prescription medications for symptom relief
• Supplemental allergy testing during maintenance

Factor in these ancillary costs when budgeting for allergy shots.

Financial Assistance and Payment Options

Reputable allergy practices understand treatment costs and work with patients needing financial assistance. They may offer:

• Installment payment plans
• Discounted care for hardship cases
• Help enrolling in manufacturer payment assistance programs for medications

Additionally, tax-advantaged medical savings accounts like HSAs or FSAs can offset out-of-pocket allergy expenses.

Long-Term Cost vs. Benefits

Allergy shots require a substantial financial investment over 3+ years. However, effective treatment provides lasting allergy relief and reduced need for medications.

Studies show allergy shots can provide long-term health benefits and improved quality of life. While not inexpensive, immunotherapy offers a potential lifetime cure for environmental allergies and asthma.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do allergy shots last?

Allergy shots, when effective, can provide allergy symptom relief for many years after the initial treatment protocol ends. During the buildup phase, patients receive injections 1-2 times per week for 3 to 6 months.

This is followed by a maintenance phase where shots are administered every 3 to 4 weeks over a period of 3 to 5 years. Properly administered immunotherapy changes the immune system’s response to allergens over time.

Most patients enjoy reduced allergy symptoms for at least 3 to 5 years after ending the series of shots. Many studies show effective allergy shot therapy provides symptom relief for 8 to 12 years or longer in a majority of patients.

In some cases, shots may even lead to a lifelong elimination or reduction of allergy issues. The benefits can be long-lasting. However, occasionally booster shots are needed years later if symptoms recur.

Is it worth getting allergy shots?

Getting allergy shots can require a substantial commitment of time and money. However, they are often worth pursuing for those with moderate to severe environmental allergies not controlled by medications or lifestyle changes alone.

Potential benefits making allergy shots worthwhile include:

• Long-term reduction of symptoms
• Less need for allergy medications
• Improved quality of life
• Decreased asthma flares for those with allergic asthma
• Prevention of new environmental allergy triggers
• Possible remission of allergies lasting many years

The value depends on an individual’s unique situation. Discuss goals thoroughly with an allergist. For many allergy sufferers, the rewards of allergen immunotherapy outweigh the required investment.

Are allergy shots 100% effective?

No medical treatment is 100% effective for all patients. The effectiveness of allergy shots varies from person to person based on factors like:

• The particular allergens triggering symptoms
• Severity of allergies
• Patient’s age
• Length of treatment
• Administration schedule and dosing

According to studies, allergy shots provide significant symptom relief for 60-85% of patients when administered properly under specialists’ care. Some may experience complete allergy remission.

However, shots are more effective for certain allergens like pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mold versus others like food allergies. Overall, the majority of patients report an improvement in symptoms and quality of life. But expectations need to remain realistic.