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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'allergy shot.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of allergy shot was in 1949

Dictionary Entries Near allergy shot

Cite this Entry

“Allergy shot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allergy%20shot. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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
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