If you suffer from allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis or stinging insect allergies, you may be a good candidate for allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy.

According to HealthDay News, that’s the recommendation of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

“Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that aims to decrease sensitivity to substances called allergens,” Dr. Linda Cox, chair of the AAAAI’s Immunotherapy and Allergy Diagnostics Committee.

“Allergens, like pollen, mold or animal dander, are substances that trigger allergy symptoms when an allergic person is exposed to them. Patients who receive immunotherapy are injected with increasing amounts of an allergen until the target therapeutic dose is reached, in an effort to build resistance to specific allergens,” Cox explained.

She said relief of allergy symptoms can last long after completion of treatment and that getting allergy shots will help prevent the development of new allergies and may prevent the progression of allergic rhinitis to asthma

While immunotherapy is recommended for people with allergic asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and stinging insect allergies, it’s not recommended for those with food allergies, the AAAAI said. The best option for people with food allergies is to avoid foods that pose a danger, HealthDay reported.