About
Dr. Harissios Vliagoftis is a dedicated Allergist / Immunologist, committed to providing expert care for patients of all ages with allergic or immunologic conditions. Practicing at Harissios Vliagoftis Clinic Edmonton in Edmonton, AB, he is a trusted provider of specialized allergy and immunology care in the community. His practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA), ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and compassionate care. As an Allergist / Immunologist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system, he focuses on improving patient quality of life through personalized treatment strategies and up-to-date diagnostic tools.
With a comprehensive medical education, Dr. Vliagoftis graduated with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Greece in 1987. Following his initial medical qualification, he completed residency training, gaining extensive experience in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He then pursued a specialized fellowship in Clinical Immunology and Allergy, honing his expertise in this field. He has been practicing as an Allergist / Immunologist for over 32 years, since 1992. His key certifications include licensure from the Medical Licensure Commission of Canada (LMCC), Diplomate of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (DABA, I - Dip), and certification by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI) in Clinical Immunology & Allergy, as well as the American Board of Internal Medicine (DABIM). These credentials reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professional competence and ongoing education.
Dr. Vliagoftis’s professional philosophy centers on accurate diagnosis and personalized management of allergic and immunologic conditions. He is dedicated to empowering patients with knowledge about their health, utilizing evidence-based approaches and the latest advancements in allergy and immunology. His focus is on improving quality of life by minimizing symptoms and preventing severe reactions through comprehensive treatment plans. He values collaborative care, working closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to provide integrated, patient-centered treatment. Fluent in Greek, he ensures clear communication and culturally sensitive care for a diverse patient population in Edmonton.
Dr. Harissios Vliagoftis provides expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of allergic and immunologic conditions, including:
Respiratory Allergies
Dr. Vliagoftis manages management focuses on allergen avoidance, medications, and immunotherapy to control symptoms and improve breathing.
- Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Can be seasonal (e.g., pollen allergies) or perennial (e.g., dust mite allergies).
- Allergic Asthma: Asthma triggered or worsened by exposure to allergens, leading to airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
- Allergic Conjunctivitis: Often coexists with allergic rhinitis.
Insect Sting and Other Specific Allergies
Dr. Vliagoftis manages accurate diagnosis is key to implementing effective avoidance and emergency treatment strategies.
- Insect Sting Allergies (Bee, Wasp, Hornet, Yellow Jacket, Fire Ant): Venom immunotherapy is highly effective in preventing future severe reactions.
- Alpha-Gal Allergy (Red Meat Allergy): Symptoms typically occur 3-6 hours after meat consumption.
- Mast Cell Disorders (e.g., Mastocytosis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome): Conditions involving abnormal accumulation or activation of mast cells, leading to symptoms like flushing, itching, hives, abdominal pain, and anaphylaxis.
Immunodeficiency Disorders
Dr. Vliagoftis manages conditions where the immune system's ability to fight infections and diseases is compromised or absent.
- Humoral (Antibody) Deficiencies: Often treated with immunoglobulin replacement therapy.
- Recurrent Infections (Evaluation for Underlying Immunodeficiency): Aims to identify if an underlying immune system problem is present.
- Secondary Immunodeficiencies (e.g., due to HIV, Medications): Weakened immune function resulting from other diseases (like HIV/AIDS, certain cancers) or treatments (like chemotherapy, long-term corticosteroids, immunosuppressants).
This list is not exhaustive. For a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, a consultation with Dr. Harissios Vliagoftis is necessary.
- Asthma Diagnosis and Management: Comprehensive care for asthma, including diagnosis, personalized treatment plans with inhalers and other medications.
- Evaluation and Management of Primary Immunodeficiencies (PID): Diagnosis and care for individuals with inherited disorders of the immune system leading to recurrent or severe infections.
- Recurrent Infection Evaluation: Development of strategies to reduce infection frequency and severity.
- Food Allergy Diagnosis and Management: Development of food allergen avoidance plans and emergency action plans for anaphylaxis (epinephrine auto-injector prescription).
- Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Strategies to control flare-ups and improve skin health.
- Allergy Skin Testing (Prick/Puncture and Intradermal): Includes prick/puncture testing for common environmental and food allergens.
Note: This list provides an overview. Specific diagnostic tests and treatment plans are determined after a thorough consultation with Dr. Vliagoftis.
All allergy and immunology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and relevant Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) and relevant international guidelines. A referral from a physician is generally required for consultation.
Dr. Vliagoftis primarily practices at the Harissios Vliagoftis Clinic Edmonton, located in the vibrant neighborhoods of S Central: University of Alberta, Garneau, and Windsor Park in Edmonton. The clinic is conveniently situated near the Botanical Gardens (Pyramids) and is easily accessible via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS), including LRT and bus routes. The facility is well-equipped for allergy testing and consultations, offering a professional and supportive environment for patients seeking expert allergy and immunology care. Parking is typically available nearby, with some accessible spots for patients with mobility needs.
- When should I see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Vliagoftis?
- A consultation with Dr. Vliagoftis is recommended if you need specialized allergy testing, are considering allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots/drops), have a suspected immunodeficiency, or require expert management for conditions like anaphylaxis, chronic urticaria, or complex allergic disorders. Your primary care physician can help determine if a referral is appropriate.
- Do I need a referral to see Dr. Vliagoftis?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another specialist is generally required to see an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Vliagoftis for services covered by provincial health insurance (e.g., Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP)). This ensures that Dr. Vliagoftis has relevant medical history and that the consultation is appropriate for your specific health concerns. Please have your referring doctor's office contact Dr. Vliagoftis's clinic for referral instructions.
- What does an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Vliagoftis specialize in?
- An Allergist / Immunologist, such as Dr. Vliagoftis, is a medical doctor (MD) who has specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing allergies, asthma, and immunologic disorders. This includes conditions like hay fever, food allergies, eczema, hives, primary immunodeficiencies, and autoimmune diseases with immunologic components. a Allergist / Immunologist, specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
- Are services from Dr. Vliagoftis covered by provincial health insurance?
- Medically necessary services provided by an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Vliagoftis, such as consultations, diagnostic allergy testing (e.g., skin prick tests for common allergens when indicated), and management of asthma or immunodeficiencies, are generally covered by your provincial health plan, Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). Consultations with an Allergist / Immunologist like Dr. Vliagoftis, as well as medically necessary diagnostic tests (e.g., skin prick tests for common allergens) and management of conditions like asthma or immunodeficiencies, are generally covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). However, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots or sublingual tablets/drops) and some newer biologic medications may have specific coverage criteria or require special authorization. It is recommended to confirm coverage details with Dr. Vliagoftis's office or Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
- What types of allergy testing does Dr. Vliagoftis perform?
- Dr. Vliagoftis may perform several types of allergy tests to help identify your specific triggers. The most common is skin prick testing, where small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin. Blood tests (like Specific IgE tests) may also be used. For contact dermatitis, patch testing might be done. Depending on the suspected allergy (e.g., food or drug), supervised oral challenges could be considered in a controlled setting. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
- What is involved in an evaluation for a possible immunodeficiency by Dr. Vliagoftis?
- An evaluation for immunodeficiency by Dr. Vliagoftis aims to determine if your immune system is functioning properly. It includes reviewing your history of infections, performing a physical exam, and ordering specific blood tests to measure immune cells and their activity. This helps to diagnose conditions like primary immunodeficiencies.
- What are some common conditions treated by Dr. Vliagoftis?
- As an Allergist and Immunologist, Dr. Vliagoftis manages numerous conditions related to the immune system. These frequently include environmental allergies, food sensitivities and allergies, medication reactions, chronic sinus problems, skin rashes like eczema, and disorders where the immune system is underactive or overactive. specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of allergies, asthma, and disorders of the immune system.
Harissios Vliagoftis Clinic Edmonton
113-11039 83 Ave NW, 3rd floor Clinical Sciences Building
Edmonton, AB T6G 2V6
Office Phone: (780) 492-5872
Dr. Vliagoftis is a licensed Allergist / Immunologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) under the Health Professions Act in Alberta. A referral from a family physician or another specialist is generally required for a consultation with Dr. Vliagoftis, particularly for services covered by Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).
Verify Dr. Vliagoftis's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA): https://search.cpsa.ca/PhysicianProfile?e=de19b60d-6fed-4e8c-8599-7d0c88009a43&i=1507