Who Is Immunotherapy Appropriate For? Can Everyone Take It?

Short Answer:

Allergy immunotherapy is suitable for most children and adults aged five and over who have moderate to severe hay fever or another environmental allergy that doesn’t respond well to standard medication. It’s not suitable for children under five or for anyone with uncontrolled asthma or certain medical conditions. Always speak with a specialist before starting treatment.

If you’re living with hay fever or another environmental allergy, you may have heard of immunotherapy – a treatment that goes beyond symptom relief and actually re-trains the immune system.

But who is it for? Can children take it? And how do you know if it’s right for you?

Suitable from Age Five and Up

Sublingual immunotherapy (a daily tablet or spray placed under the tongue) has been shown to be safe and effective in children from age five through adulthood. This makes it an option not just for adults whose allergies affect their work, but also for children struggling with sleep, concentration, or school performance during allergy season.

As Professor Adam Fox explains:

“Sublingual immunotherapy has proven clinical effectiveness for patients from the age of five up until adulthood, so effectively it’s suitable for any of those patients on two typical grounds.”

When Hay Fever Is Bad Enough to Affect Daily Life

For many people, hay fever is more than an inconvenience. It can disrupt sleep, reduce focus at work, trigger asthma flare-ups, and for children, even affect exam results.

You might be a good candidate for immunotherapy if:

• Your symptoms remain troublesome despite regular antihistamines or nasal sprays

• Hay fever interferes with your sleep, school, or work

• Over-the-counter treatments just don’t bring enough relief

In these cases, immunotherapy offers more than short-term control – it targets the root cause of your allergy.

For Those Who Don’t Want Lifelong Medication

Not everyone chooses immunotherapy because their symptoms are severe.

Some people simply want to reduce their reliance on daily medication.

Professor Fox says:

“Another group that tend to find immunotherapy useful will be those who don’t want to be reliant on regular medication. So their symptoms may not be quite as severe, but for whatever reason they don’t want to keep taking regular nasal steroids, and immunotherapy or desensitisation is a way of making them less reliant on these.”

In other words, it can also be a proactive choice for people looking for a long-term solution, not just a temporary fix.

Real Experiences: When “Nothing Else Worked”

Many AllergyRhino customers come to immunotherapy after years of frustration.

One customer told us:

“I’d tried everything since childhood – sprays, antihistamines, even steroid injections. Immunotherapy felt like my last resort… and it’s the first thing that’s actually changed how my body reacts.”

Another described the difference after a few months:

“I can finally go for a run in the park without my nose streaming. It’s not a miracle overnight, but it’s progress – and that’s huge.”

These stories reflect what the research shows: immunotherapy works gradually over several months, but its benefits can last for years after treatment ends.

Who It’s Not For

While immunotherapy is safe for most people, it’s not appropriate for everyone.

It’s not recommended for:

• Children under five years old

• People with uncontrolled asthma

• Those with certain medical conditions where immune stimulation might not be safe

A specialist assessment is always needed to confirm suitability before starting treatment.

The Bottom Line

Immunotherapy is suitable for both children and adults (age 5+) and is most appropriate if:

• Your hay fever or allergy symptoms disrupt daily life despite medication, or

• You want to reduce reliance on long-term medication.

While not everyone will need it, for those who do, immunotherapy can be life-changing — offering years of relief by addressing the root cause of allergies, not just their symptoms.

Quick Answers

What age can you start allergy immunotherapy?

From age 5 upwards. Clinical studies confirm safety and effectiveness in children.

Is it safe for children?

Yes. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has an excellent safety record, with only mild, short-lived side effects such as mouth itching.

Can everyone take it?

No. It’s not suitable for under-5s or people with uncontrolled asthma. Always have a specialist consultation first.

Does immunotherapy cure allergies?

It doesn’t “cure” allergies completely but reprograms the immune system, leading to long-lasting relief.

When is it worth considering?

If symptoms persist despite medication, or if you want a long-term solution instead of lifelong tablets and sprays.