Medical Mondays: Getting Allergy Shots? Here's What the FAA Wants Pilots to Know
In this edition of Medical Mondays, aviation attorney Matthew Bulow discusses how allergy immunotherapy treatments, including traditional allergy shots and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), can affect FAA medical certification. While many pilots assume allergy treatments are not relevant to their FAA medical, Bulow explains that the FAA specifically addresses immunotherapy and requires pilots to follow certain reporting and safety protocols. Fortunately, most pilots receiving allergy treatment can still qualify for medical certification, provided they comply with FAA guidelines and do not experience symptoms that could interfere with safe flight operations.
This episode outlines the FAA’s approach to allergy immunotherapy, including mandatory observation periods following treatment, medication considerations and reporting requirements on the MedXPress application. Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) may ask additional questions regarding the severity of allergy symptoms, treatment side effects and whether the condition has ever caused issues such as vertigo, breathing difficulties or incapacitation. Understanding these requirements before beginning treatment can help pilots avoid certification delays and remain compliant with FAA regulations.
Key Insights
- Allergy Shots Are Reportable to the FAA: Pilots receiving allergy immunotherapy, including traditional allergy shots and SLIT treatment, must disclose their condition and treatment on the MedXPress application.
- The FAA Allows Certification for Most Allergy Treatments: Allergy immunotherapy is generally compatible with FAA medical certification when properly managed and documented.
- First-Time Treatment Requires a 48-Hour Ground Trial: Pilots beginning immunotherapy for the first time must complete a 48-hour no-fly observation period to monitor for adverse reactions.
- Every Dose Requires a Four-Hour No-Fly Period: After each allergy shot or SLIT dose, pilots must observe a mandatory four-hour grounding period before flying.
- Certain Medications May Create Additional FAA Concerns: The FAA may require confirmation that a pilot is not taking medications, such as certain beta blockers or antiarrhythmics, that could interfere with emergency treatment for allergic reactions.
- AMEs Evaluate Symptoms That Could Affect Flight Safety: Aviation Medical Examiners assess whether allergies or treatment side effects have caused issues such as vertigo, sinus block, ear block, breathing difficulties or other potentially incapacitating symptoms.
- Most Pilots Can Continue Flying with Proper Compliance: Allergy immunotherapy alone is unlikely to prevent certification, but pilots must follow FAA observation requirements, monitor for reactions and provide additional documentation when requested.
