false
Stinging Insect Allergy Program
Some people have allergic reactions to bee venom and other stinging insects that can be life-threatening. Our allergy specialists offer allergy shots to minimize these reactions and protect your health.
primary
phone
617-726-3850
6177263850
Expert care for stinging insect allergies
Venom from bees or other stinking insects can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that affects breathing, in some people. Allergy and immunology specialists at our Stinging Insect Program expertly care for those at high risk of this severe reaction. We offer allergy shots in a closely monitored setting to help retrain your immune system so it doesn’t overreact to future insect stings.
center
tertiary
internal-arrow
Part of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
Learn more about allergy and clinical immunology at Mass General Brigham
Our approach to stinging insect allergy care
We follow national guidelines to diagnose and treat stinging insect allergies. We offer allergy shots, the gold standard for people who experience systemwide allergic reactions.
Help for all types of insect venom allergic reactions
These stinging insects are known to cause severe allergic reactions in people who live in the New England region:
- Honeybees
- Wasps
- White-faced hornets
- Yellow-faced hornets
- Yellowjackets
Diagnosing allergic reactions to stinging insects
We conduct comprehensive tests to determine which insect venoms cause allergic reactions. These tests may include:
- Blood tests
- Skin prick tests
Treating allergic reactions to insect venom
Allergy shots (allergen immunotherapy) minimize your immune system response to insect venom. Treatment can last for up to five years or even for life. We closely monitor you for allergic reactions. Treatment phases include:
- Build-up phase: We gradually increase doses of insect venom over days or weeks.
- Maintenance phase: You receive monthly shots of venom equal to several insect stings.
Rush allergen immunotherapy
Our team may recommend rush allergen immunotherapy if you are extremely high risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis to insect venom. This treatment involves rapidly escalating the dosing of insect venom in allergy shots to build up your immune system tolerance in a few days.
Insect sting prevention
Our team provides avoidance strategies, such as not wearing perfumes or bright clothing, to prevent insect stings. We will also show you how to use a self-injected epinephrine device for anaphylaxis. It’s important that you and others know how to effectively use this device, especially if you’re still in the first phase of allergy shots.
Related conditions and treatments
Our specialists
No matter what disease or condition you have, Mass General Brigham has specialists near you who can help.
primary
phone
617-726-3850
6177263850
Contact the Stinging Insect Program
Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
primary
phone
617-726-3850
6177263850
secondary
internal
International Patient Services
Contact information for international patients