VIRGINIA TECH SCHIFFERT HEALTH CENTER
INFORMATION ON ALLERGY INJECTIONS
Allergy Clinic – (540) 231-7621
Fax: (540) 231-9383 ATTN: Allergy Clinic
The Virginia Tech Schiffert Health Center (SHC) has established certain standards and
requirements for your desensitization. An injection into allergic individuals is not without
potential hazard. Obviously, your complete cooperation is essential. If you are unable to
comply with our policies you will be asked to seek your injections from a private
physician at your own expense.
1. All allergy vials must be labeled from your allergist and accompanied with written
instructions. New vials must have new instructions. Give the new instructions to the
receptionist to copy.
2. You are responsible for knowing when new vials need to be ordered and the
expiration date of your vials. Vials cannot be used once they have expired. Expired
vials will be discarded. Reorder requests may be faxed to your allergist at your request -
with your signature on the form. Some allergists require a copy of your current insurance
card. Vials may be shipped to SHC. Your allergist may charge for this service.
3. You are responsible for taking vials and instructions home during the summer and
over breaks. Any allergy vials not used during the semester will be discarded.
4. Allergy Injections are by appointment. You may schedule an appointment on-line or by
calling the Allergy Clinic.
There is a $25.00 No Show fee for missed appointments
Always allow an hour to get your injection.
Your first visit to the Allergy Clinic must be scheduled by phone.
During breaks and summers, hours are subject to change and will be posted
5. You must wait 20 minutes and have your arm checked before leaving the building. A
30 minute wait is required if your physician recommends it or for safety following a
systemic reaction.
6. Strenuous exercise should be avoided 1 hour before and 3-4 hours after the injection
to help prevent reactions.
7. REACTIONS: Most severe reactions occur within 30 minutes. If you notice any
problem, notify the receptionist immediately or knock on the nurse’s door. Less frequent
reactions are delayed. If you notice any symptoms of reaction after leaving SHC, take
antihistamines as prescribed by your allergist and return to Schiffert Health Center
immediately if during 8-5 Medical Clinic office hours. If you have a severe reaction or it
is after hours, go to the Lewis-Gale Montgomery Regional Hospital Emergency
Department. Call 911 for the Rescue Squad if needed.
Do not attempt to drive yourself with symptoms of a systemic reaction!
SEVERE: wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, abnormal heartbeat, inability to
maintain blood pressure and pulse (shock), hives, generalized itching, death.
SYSTEMIC: Any of the above reactions. In addition, an increase in symptoms
or extreme tiredness may be a systemic reaction. Please report these to the
nurse.
