allergy shot

noun

: an injection containing very small amounts of an allergen (such as mold or grass pollen) to which an individual is sensitive that is given at regular intervals usually over a period of several years to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic symptoms

The goal of allergy shots is to render a person tolerant to an allergen when it is encountered.

—Jane E. Brody

The most common side effects of allergy shots are redness and swelling at the site of injection.

—Richard F. Lockey

Examples of allergy shot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For those with allergies, that has meant struggling to remedy symptoms that used to be resolved by an allergy shot or some other treatment, Nguyen said. —Erin Alberty, The Salt Lake Tribune, 10 July 2021

Mylan NV misled investors for at least a year about a Justice Department investigation into the allergy shot EpiPen that would eventually cost the company nearly $500 million, the US Securities and Exchange Commission said Friday. —BostonGlobe.com, 28 Sep. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

allergy shot

noun

: an injection containing very small amounts of an allergen (as mold or grass pollen) to which a person is sensitive that is given at regular intervals usually over a period of several years to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic symptoms

Medical Definition

allergy shot

noun

: an injection containing very small amounts of an allergen (such as mold or grass pollen) to which an individual is sensitive that is given at regular intervals usually over a period of several years to desensitize the immune system and reduce allergic symptoms

If you're still miserable, there are always immunotherapeutic allergy shots for building up allergen antibodies. They're particularly effective for allergies to stinging insects, dust, pollen and pets.

—Nancy Shute, American Health

The most common side effects of allergy shots are redness and swelling at the site of injection.

—Richard F. Lockey, The Tampa (Florida) Tribune