Subcutaneous ASIT Injection /One Vaccine Injection

The abbreviation ASIT stands for ‘Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy’. Currently it is the only method to cure some types of allergies, for example, allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and bronchial asthma.

Allergy is an overreaction of the body's immune system to substances that are not harmful to health, but which the body recognizes as such. These substances are called allergens. The ASIT is the subcutaneous administration of a small dose of an allergen with a subsequent dose increase. This method helps to train the immune system to stop perceiving the allergen as hazardous to health and not to react to it with allergic manifestations.

ASIT, unlike other treatments, alters the immune system's response to an allergen. This is the most effective, and in some cases the only method of treating allergies. ASIT is effective in the treatment of allergic reactions to pollen from trees, cereals, weeds, as well as spores of fungi, house dust mites and animal dandruff.

ASIT is not used to treat food allergies.

Allergist selects ASIT vaccine using the results of the laboratory tests performed to identify the allergens causing allergic reactions.

The vaccine is administered by subcutaneous injection in the shoulder area with a patient staying in the clinic for another 30 minutes after the injection to monitor his\her response to the allergen and to prevent the allergic reaction development.

The procedure does not require special preparation, however, a doctors examines a patient right before the injection to assess his\her health condition. The procedure is not performed if a patient has elevated body temperature or signs of inflammation, ARVI or flu. Two hours before the injection it is recommended to refrain from physical activity, the day before the procedure – not take alcohol and eat food products that are allergens (the list is provided by an allergist).

ASIT is long-term treatment from 3 to 5 years and include two stages:

• at the first stage the allergen concentration is gradually increased until maintenance dose is achieved; injections have intervals of 1 week for 2-6 weeks;
• at the second stage the maintenance dose is administered with an interval of 1 month for 3-5 years.

ASIT treatment is not provided if a patient has:

• severe and/or uncontrolled asthma;
• chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation (cardiovascular diseases, renal or liver failure);
• malignant neoplasms;
• immunodeficiency;
• pregnancy (if a woman initiated ASIT before pregnancy the treatment usually continues).

For preventing the adverse reactions ASIT is not recommended if a patient takes specific medications. It is necessary to inform the allergist about medications used by a patient before starting the procedure.

The service is provided for adults and children from 5 years old.

Service duration: 30 minutes.