CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE Presented by the TexCare 60 Second Radio Feature   MP3 "Allergy Shots and Your Child” FOR AIR WEEK OF APRIL 30, 2001 If your child has allergies, allergy shots may be worth considering. Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt and this CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by the TexCare : a Texas initiative to provide children’s health insurance for only $18 a month or less to most families. Your child’s allergy occurs when the body’s immune system has a strong reaction to a usually harmless substance, like pollen, dust, mold, pets and some kinds of food. The results can include runny noses, sneezing and itchy eyes. The best prevention is to control your child’s exposure to the substance that triggers the child’s allergy symptoms. And medications can sometimes be used. But if neither seem to work, your doctor may refer your child to an allergist for tests and possibly allergy shots. The shots help the body build a type of immunity to specific substances that cause the allergy. But remember: allergy vaccinations are not for everyone. Talk it over with your child’s pediatrician. This CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE is presented by the TexCare —reminding you that no child should be without health insurance. Call 1-800-647-6558 to apply for children’s health insurance that for most families is $18 a month or less. And join me next time for The CHILDREN’S HEALTH MINUTE.