What’s New With Allergy Shots? Overview of the Joint Task Force’s Third Update on Allergen Immunotherapy

Abstract

Allergic diseases are common throughout the world and affect all age groups. Allergen immunotherapy is the only available treatment that can reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, alter the course of the disease, and induce long-term clinical remission safely and effectively in patients with allergen sensitivity. In January 2011, the Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters, which represents the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI); the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI); and the Joint Council of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (JCAAI), published Allergen Immunotherapy: A Practice Parameter Third Update. This most recent update aims to ensure the optimal practice of allergen immunotherapy (IT) for patients with allergic disease. This update accesses the latest research to establish guidelines for the safe and effective use of allergen IT practice. As asthma and allergy educators, it is important to be familiar with the Allergen Immunotherapy: Practice Parameter Third Update so as to increase our value to patients and improve their health outcomes. This article presents a summary of the Joint Task Force’s update and discusses its applicability to asthma and allergy educators.