Allergy Immunotherapy Instructions

1. Avoid rubbing or scratching the arms after injections.

2. Avoid vigorous exercise after injections, such as jogging, vigorous walking, gym workouts, etc.

3. Bring an antihistamine medication (as recommended by your allergist) with you when coming for an injection as a safety precaution. (See #7.)

4. Although you may not experience any local reaction within the 20 minutes after injection, it is possible to react later in the day.

If a local reaction occurs:

- Report to the Health Center or go to the nearest emergency room.

- Record the time and size of the reactions and how long it lasts.

- Report this to the nurse before receiving additional injections.

5. While waiting 20 minutes after injections, notify the nurse if you experience any of the following:

- runny nose

- wheezing

- sneezing

- coughing

- itching

- flushing

- “pins & needles”

- facial swelling

- hives

- anxiety

- nasal congestion

6. If any of the above symptoms occur after you have received an allergy injection and have left the Student Health Center, return to the Center or go to the nearest emergency room.

7. You MUST have the injection sites checked after 20 minutes by a nurse. If you leave without being released by the nurse, you may not continue to receive additional injections at the Student Health Center. The first offense is the only offense. There are no exceptions to this policy.

8. The immune system is unpredictable. This is the reason you are required to remain at the Student Health Center for 20 minutes following injection.

9. If possible, try to schedule your injection times on the same day, at the same time each week. If you come in twice a week, you need at least one day between injections.

10. Allergy injections will never be given without a Physician’s presence in the facility. This is for your safety.

11. Certain prescription medications for eye problems, headaches and blood pressure problems contain Beta Blockers. Beta Blockers can increase the sensitivity to allergens and also potentate anaphylaxis. If you have been prescribed any such medication, it is IMPERATIVE that you inform the nurse BEFORE receiving any allergy injections.

12. If you plan a vacation, camp or school change, please come to the Student Health Center to sign out your extracts. You are responsible for making arrangements to receive your injections while you are away. You must also keep the extracts refrigerated. Failure to do so may cause them to lose potency.

13. Vaccines will be stored until the end of the academic year ONLY. If the vaccine is not picked up, it will be discarded.