Allergy shots during pregnancy may decrease allergies in children

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2013-11/acoa-asd103013.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE:
8-Nov-2013
Contact: Christine Westendorf
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology

Research finds promising information in the prevention of allergies

BALTIMORE, MD. (November 8, 2013) – Expecting mothers who suffer from allergies may want to consider another vaccination in addition to the flu shot and Tdap. A study being presented at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) found pregnant women who receive allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, during pregnancy may decrease their baby's chance of developing allergies.

"Our research found trends suggesting women receiving allergy shots either before or during pregnancy reduced their child's chances of having asthma, food allergies, or eczema," said allergist Jay Lieberman, MD, ACAAI member. "Prior studies have suggested that mothers can pass protective factors to their fetus that may decrease their child's chance of developing allergic disease, and these protective factors are increased with allergy immunotherapy."

-----