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At Children’s Mehiläinen, we understand that a child's allergy symptoms can be a burden on the entire family. That is why we offer comprehensive and child-friendly desensitisation aimed at a symptom-free life. Our experienced physicians and nurses specialising in childhood allergies ensure that your child receives the best possible treatment in a safe environment.
Revised 9/1/2026
Published 9/3/2026
Desensitisation is an effective solution for IgE-mediated allergies, such as rhinitis, respiratory, and eye symptoms caused by pollen. In the treatment, the child’s body is gradually taught to tolerate the allergen, either through oral tablet desensitisation or as injections. Tablet desensitisation therapy can be started for birch, grasses, and house dust mites from the age of five.
Desensitisation has scientifically proven benefits. The treatment can also reduce symptoms caused by other allergens, prevent the development of new allergies, and even reduce the risk of developing asthma.
Desensitisation therapy can generally be recommended for a child over 5 years of age who has an IgE-mediated allergy diagnosed by a physician and whose allergy symptoms are significant or are not sufficiently relieved by conventional allergy medications. Treatment can be considered, for example, when pollen allergy causes recurrent allergic rhinitis, eye symptoms or respiratory tract symptoms that interfere with the child's daily life or recreational activities.
Desensitisation therapy is always initiated based on an assessment performed by a specialist in allergology, who investigates the child's allergies and evaluates the suitability of the treatment. Desensitisation therapy can be administered in two ways, via sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets or injection therapy.
In tablet-based desensitisation, a tablet containing the allergen is taken daily at home for about 7–8 months over three consecutive years. The first tablet is always taken under the supervision of a physician at the practice, after which the child's condition is monitored for about 30 minutes. In tablet-based desensitisation, the tablet is placed under the child's tongue, where it dissolves quickly.
In injection therapy, long-acting allergen extracts are administered subcutaneously into the upper arm. In the initial phase, injections are given weekly for about seven weeks until the maintenance dose is reached. After this, injections are given every 1.5–2 months for three years. After each injection, the child must be observed for at least 30 minutes for possible reactions. On the day of the injection, it is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise and taking a sauna.
Before starting desensitisation, the physician will go through the child’s allergy, symptoms, and state of health with the parents and assess whether desensitisation is suitable for the child. At the appointment, you will also receive more detailed instructions on preparing for the treatment and what is good to take into account during the treatment.
It is advisable to tell the child in advance, in an age-appropriate way, what happens during desensitisation. When the child knows what to expect at the appointment, starting the treatment can feel safer and easier.
Desensitisation is a journey that requires commitment, but is rewarding, towards a more symptom-free everyday life. The duration of the treatment is usually three years, and five years for insect venom desensitisation. We recommend starting the treatment 3–4 months before the beginning of the pollen season to achieve the best results.
Before starting desensitisation, it is ensured that the child does not have untreated asthma or that any asthma is in good therapeutic control. This is determined by a lung function test. At the same time, other potential obstacles to desensitisation are ruled out.
Once the treatment plan is ready, desensitisation therapy is started at the nurse’s appointment. Desensitisation therapy can be carried out either with sublingual tablets or as injections. Sublingual tablet treatment is most commonly used and easy to carry out at home, whereas injection desensitisation therapy requires regular visits to the nurse’s appointment.
Desensitisation is continued regularly for several years. The effectiveness of the treatment and the child's well-being are monitored during annual follow-up appointments with a physician.
During and after desensitisation, it is important to monitor the child’s condition and any possible adverse effects. The most common adverse effects of tablet desensitisation include itching or burning in the mouth and throat, as well as mild swelling of the lips or mouth area. In injection desensitisation, the most common adverse effects are redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site. Most adverse effects are mild and transient, and severe systemic reactions are rare.
If the child experiences unusual or severe symptoms during the treatment, it is important to contact the treating unit. A nurse or physician will assess the situation and provide the necessary instructions.
Desensitisation is most commonly used to treat pollen allergies, such as grass or birch allergy, animal allergies, such as cat or dog allergy, as well as dust mite allergy. Desensitisation for food allergies is rarer and is considered on a case-by-case basis. Desensitisation for insect sting allergy falls under specialised health care and is not carried out at Mehiläinen.
The costs of desensitisation consist of physician's practice visits, allergen preparations, and possible injection visits. Prices vary according to the form and duration of the treatment.
Kela reimbursement is possible under certain conditions. Private medical expenses insurance may cover part of the costs of desensitisation. We recommend checking the terms and conditions of your insurance from your own insurance company. You can obtain more detailed price information from Children’s Mehiläinen customer service.
Desensitisation therapy can usually also be considered for a child with asthma when the asthma is well controlled. Before starting desensitisation therapy, the physician assesses the asthma situation and, if necessary, confirms with a lung function test that the treatment can be started safely.
Desensitisation can reduce allergy symptoms over the long term and reduce the need for allergy medication, but the effect of the treatment varies individually. The goal is for the child's allergy symptoms to be alleviated and everyday life to become significantly easier.
The goal of desensitisation is to reduce allergy symptoms and thus also the need for allergy medication. However, medication should not be stopped on one's own, but the need for it and possible changes are agreed upon with the attending physician.
The effect of desensitisation develops gradually. The timing of symptom relief varies depending on the child, the allergy and the treatment. The treatment is continued systematically for several years so that the benefit achieved is as long-lasting as possible.
Yes, allergy medications can usually be used during desensitisation if necessary. Desensitisation does not replace other treatment of symptoms immediately, but its effect develops gradually. It is advisable to discuss the child's medication with the attending physician.
