The Truth About “Allergy Shots” for Seasonal Allergies

Every spring and fall, patients come into clinic asking for a “Kenalog allergy shot” that will last the whole season.

I understand why. Seasonal allergies can make you miserable. Stuffy nose, sneezing, itchy eyes, and poor sleep. It wears you down! Many people remember getting a steroid shot in the past that seemed to fix everything fast.

But here’s the problem: that shot is not the safest option.

Why People Want the Shot

The Kenalog shot is a steroid injection. It works by calming down your immune system. Many patients like it because:

•  It works quickly
• One shot can last for weeks
• No daily pills or sprays

That sounds convenient. But convenience does not always mean safe.

What We Recommend Instead

Medical guidelines recommend starting with nasal steroid sprays for moderate to severe seasonal allergies. These sprays:

• Work very well
• Stay mostly in the nose (not the whole body)
• Are safe for long-term use

If symptoms are not controlled, we can safely add:

• A nasal antihistamine spray
• A short-term nasal decongestant (for severe congestion)
• Other targeted treatments

When used correctly and every day, these options work for most people.

What’s the Concern with Steroid Shots?

The Kenalog shot is a long-acting steroid. Once it’s given, it stays in your system for weeks. Unlike a short course of oral steroids, it cannot be adjusted or stopped.

Possible risks include:

• Higher blood sugar
• Mood changes
• Weakened immune system
• Fluid retention and higher blood pressure
• Suppression of your body’s natural steroid hormones

For people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or other health conditions, these risks are even more important.

Seasonal allergies are uncomfortable, but they are not life-threatening. Exposing your whole body to steroids for weeks is usually more risk than benefit.

The Real Issue

Most of the time, allergy treatment has not truly “failed.” Instead:

• The nasal spray wasn’t used daily
• It was started too late in the season
• Spray technique wasn’t correct
• The dose wasn’t strong enough

When we fix these issues, most patients feel much better.

The Bottom Line

I know the allergy shot sounds like an easy fix. But as a provider, my job is to treat your symptoms safely and effectively.

For most people, daily nasal steroid sprays and combination nasal treatments work very well and carry far fewer risks.

If your allergies are severe and not improving, talk with your provider about adjusting your treatment plan or even allergy testing and immunotherapy.

As always, work with your primary care provider to choose which treatment is best for you.