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If you're struggling with hayfever year after year—and nothing seems to work—immunotherapy treatment could be the long-term solution you've been looking for.
In this guide, we explain what immunotherapy is, how it works, and how you can access private allergy desensitisation treatment through our clinics. Whether you're new to the concept or just weighing up your options, this post will give you a clear picture of what to expect.
Immunotherapy—or allergen immunotherapy—is a long-term treatment that helps reduce your body’s allergic response to a specific allergen, like pollen, dust mites, or insect venom. Instead of just treating the symptoms like antihistamines do, it tackles the root cause of the allergy.
The idea is to train your immune system to stop overreacting to harmless substances (like grass or tree pollen) by slowly introducing the allergen in small, controlled doses over time. This process is often referred to as desensitisation.
Think of it as a vaccine for allergies. This treatment is available at our clinics as part of our Private Allergy Testing and Treatment services.
Immunotherapy introduces small amounts of the allergen to your body over time to build up tolerance. It’s available in two forms:
This involves regular injections—usually into your upper arm—containing small amounts of the allergen. These allergy immunotherapy injections are given every 1–2 weeks at first (the ‘updosing’ phase), then less frequently once a maintenance dose is reached.
Because they can cause reactions, you’ll need to stay at the clinic for 30 minutes after each jab for monitoring.
This is a needle-free option that uses drops or tablets placed under the tongue. It’s typically taken daily at home and has fewer risks of serious reactions than injections. This type of sublingual immunotherapy is especially popular for children or anyone who hates needles! A common example in the UK is the Grazax® tablet, which is used for grass pollen allergy.
Both treatments are provided by our Private GPs and are administered under the care of trained specialists.
Allergen immunotherapy is effective for:
It may also help with some pet or mould allergies, although the evidence is less strong, and products may not be officially approved.
Great question. If you’re wondering what is the success rate of immunotherapy, the numbers are promising:
It also helps reduce the need for medication and can prevent allergies from developing into asthma.
You may still need antihistamines and nasal sprays during high pollen days, but many find they can reduce or even stop them over time.
Yes, like any treatment, there are potential side effects—most are mild:
Before starting treatment, we’ll ensure your asthma (if applicable) is well controlled and review any medications like beta blockers that may need adjusting.
Immunotherapy for hayfever treatment is usually considered if:
It’s not suitable for everyone, especially those with multiple allergies or uncontrolled asthma—but if you’re a good candidate, it can be life-changing.
You might start seeing improvements in the first year, but full benefits often take 3 years of consistent treatment.
Both are effective. Injections may offer slightly stronger symptom relief, but SLIT is more convenient and safer for home use.
Yes, immunotherapy for hayfever is safe for both adults and children, as long as they’re under specialist supervision.
Yes! It’s possible to start even in the spring or summer. Studies show it’s just as safe and effective as starting in winter.
Allergy immunotherapy injections may be available through specialist NHS allergy clinics, but sublingual options are often private and can be costly. Speak to our GP about referral options.
If hayfever is making your life miserable year after year, immunotherapy treatment could be your ticket to long-term relief. It takes time and commitment, but it’s one of the few treatments that addresses the cause, not just the symptoms.
Whether you choose immunotherapy injections or go for sublingual allergy immunotherapy, speak to our GP or an allergy specialist to find out if it’s the right path for you.
