Instructions for Patients Receiving Allergy Shots

Before receiving injections at University Health Services:

1. Your name must appear on the allergen extract vial(s).

2. The strength and contents of the allergen extracts must be on the vial and on the injection record.

3. The allergist’s office must provide:

• dates and dosages of injections administered prior to coming to Carnegie Mellon and the schedule to be followed for subsequent injections
• a list of standing orders with instructions for starting a fresh vial of extract and for delays in treatment
• a dictated summary if you have a complex medical history

4.  You must meet with a nurse on the first visit to review the allergy treatment schedule. Any unclear or missing information must be obtained from your allergist.

5.  Your extract will be kept in the refrigerator, unless otherwise indicated, in a compartment marked with your name.  University Health Services is not responsible for replacing serum lost as a result of power outages.

During your visits:

• Appointments can be scheduled during Allergy Clinic hours
• Check in at a kiosk in the waiting room and have a seat in the main hallway
• After receiving your injection, wait 20 minutes and have your injection site checked by the nurse (allergy injections have the potential to cause a serious immune system reaction, which can result in hives, redness/itchiness of the skin, and swelling of the throat passage)

• Have a fever or have an extended illness for any reason
• Are wheezing or are having serious nasal allergy symptoms
• Are in the first 3 days of an upper respiratory infection
• Are taking a Beta-Blocker, a drug used to treat irregular heartbeats or high blood pressure