17/04/2026
Why we don’t offer the “hay fever injection”
We get asked this every year:
“Why don’t you offer the hay fever injection?”
Here’s the honest answer 👇
The so-called hay fever jab (often known as Kenalog) is a long-acting steroid injection that works by suppressing your immune system.
Years ago, it was used as a quick fix for severe symptoms.
Even more worryingly, It's been reported to have been offered in salons by non-medic practioners.
But it’s no longer recommended by the NHS — and we don’t offer it.
Why?
⚠️ It suppresses your immune system
→ increasing your risk of infections like flu, shingles and more
⚠️ It carries whole-body side effects
→ including mood changes, sleep disturbance, weight gain and blood pressure effects
⚠️ Once it’s given, it can’t be reversed
→ the steroid stays in your system for weeks to months
⚠️ The effect is unpredictable
→ it might help… or it might not
Let’s clear up a few common myths:
“It’s the only thing that works for me”
→ Most people haven’t been on the right combination of treatments yet
“It’s fine because it’s only once a year”
→ Even a single dose carries risk
“It’s not offered because of cost”
→ It’s actually cheap, this is about safety, not money
So what do we do instead?
We treat hay fever properly — with targeted, evidence-based options:
✔️ Antihistamines (including prescription-strength where needed)
✔️ Nasal steroid sprays — used correctly and at the right dose
✔️ Eye drops for local symptom relief
✔️ Short courses of oral steroids only when clinically appropriate
✔️ Practical strategies to reduce exposure
And if symptoms are severe or ongoing, we can assess and escalate treatment through our independent prescribing clinic.
We don’t offer the hay fever injection because it’s not the safest option.
We offer something better -
👉 individualised, clinically appropriate treatment that actually works
📍 Malpas Pharmacy
📩 Pop in and speak to us
