Consider immunotherapy early to prevent the allergic march

What to Do

Discuss immunotherapy with a pediatric allergist for children with moderate-to-severe allergies. Allergy shots are typically started at age 5+; SLIT tablets are FDA-approved for ages 5-17.

Why It Works

Immunotherapy in children does more than relieve current symptoms — it can alter the trajectory of allergic disease. The PAT study showed immunotherapy reduced the risk of developing asthma by approximately 50% at 10-year follow-up. It also prevents new allergen sensitizations.

Tips

• Allergy shots (SCIT) require the child to cooperate with injections and report symptoms of reactions
• Grastek (grass SLIT tablet) is FDA-approved for ages 5-17
• SLIT drops (custom compounded) are used off-label by some allergists for younger children
• The long-term disease-modifying benefit makes immunotherapy uniquely valuable in the pediatric population