"My parents are healthy, they don't need vaccines." "Vaccines are for children." "I had chickenpox, so I'm immune forever." These are things patients tell me every week at Nirvana Clinic. And they are all dangerously wrong.

Adult vaccination is one of the most effective — and most neglected — preventive measures in India. Every year, thousands of adults over 50 are hospitalised with pneumonia, influenza complications and shingles — infections that are largely preventable with a single clinic visit. As an infectious disease specialist with MRCP UK training, I see the consequences of missed vaccinations daily. This guide covers everything you need to know.

🎓 Written by a specialist

This article is written by Dr. Manuj Sondhi (MRCP UK), Consultant Physician & Infectious Disease Specialist at Nirvana Clinic, Greater Noida. Trained at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Tata Memorial Hospital with 17 peer-reviewed publications. ORCID verified.

Why Adults Need Vaccines — The Science Is Clear

Your immune system peaks in your 20s and declines progressively after 50. This is called immunosenescence. Chronic conditions like diabetes, COPD, heart disease and kidney disease further weaken immune response. The result: infections that a younger body would fight off can become life-threatening.

The data is sobering:

  • Pneumonia kills over 1.5 lakh adults annually in India — the majority unvaccinated
  • Influenza complications cause 3× more hospitalisations in diabetic patients
  • Shingles affects 1 in 3 people who had chickenpox — causing weeks to months of nerve pain
  • HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers — yet vaccination rates in Indian women remain below 5%

The good news: all of these are preventable. One visit to Nirvana Clinic can protect you for years.

Vaccination Myths in India — Corrected

❌ Myth
"Vaccines are only for children"
✅ Fact
Adults need vaccines too — especially after 50, when immune function naturally declines. The CDC, WHO and RSSDI all recommend adult vaccination schedules.
❌ Myth
"I had chickenpox, so I can't get shingles"
✅ Fact
The opposite. Having had chickenpox means the virus is dormant in your nerves and can reactivate as shingles after 50. That's exactly who needs the Shingrix vaccine.
❌ Myth
"The flu shot gives you the flu"
✅ Fact
The flu vaccine contains inactivated virus — it cannot cause the flu. Mild soreness or low-grade fever for 1–2 days is a normal immune response, not the flu.
❌ Myth
"HPV vaccine is only for women"
✅ Fact
HPV causes throat, anal and penile cancers in men. Gardasil 9 is recommended for males aged 9–45. Men who get vaccinated also protect their partners.

Complete Vaccine Guide at Nirvana Clinic

Below is every vaccine we offer at our Sun Twilight Mall facility — with pricing, eligibility, and schedule. All vaccines are administered under my direct supervision with a pre-assessment and post-vaccine observation.

🤧

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Seasonal protection · Annual dose

₹2,000

The flu is not just a bad cold. In adults with diabetes, COPD, or heart disease, influenza can trigger pneumonia, myocarditis, and ICU admissions. The annual flu shot is your single most effective seasonal defence — and it's updated every year to match circulating strains.

Who should take itAll adults — especially ≥50 years, diabetics, healthcare workers, pregnant women, and those with chronic lung/heart disease.
ScheduleOnce every year, ideally before winter (October–November). New formula each season — last year's shot doesn't protect you this year.
Seasonal Flu Annual Dose All Adults Pregnancy Safe
🫁

Pneumococcal Vaccine (PCV-20) Pneumonia & meningitis protection · One-time dose

₹5,600

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia in India. PCV-20 covers 20 serotypes in a single shot — replacing the older multi-dose PCV-13 + PPSV-23 schedule. One injection, lifetime protection.

Who should take itAdults ≥50 years. Younger adults with diabetes, chronic heart/lung/kidney/liver disease, immunosuppression, or cochlear implants.
ScheduleSingle lifetime dose. No booster required. Can be co-administered with the flu vaccine on the same visit.
Pneumonia Meningitis 20 Serotypes One-Time Dose
🛡️

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) — Shingrix Nerve pain prevention · 2-dose schedule

₹11,000/dose

If you had chickenpox as a child, the varicella-zoster virus stays dormant in your nerve roots for life. After 50, it can reactivate as Shingles — a painful blistering rash along a nerve distribution that can cause months of burning nerve pain called post-herpetic neuralgia. Shingrix is >90% effective at preventing this.

Who should take itAdults ≥50. Adults with lowered immunity (cancer treatment, transplant, HIV, chronic steroids) at any age. Prior shingles episode doesn't exclude you.
ScheduleTwo doses, 2–6 months apart. Both doses are essential for full >90% protection. Do not skip the second dose.
Shingles Post-Herpetic Neuralgia >90% Effective 2 Doses
🧬

HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9) Cancer prevention · Men & women aged 9–45

Consult

HPV causes nearly all cervical cancers, plus throat, anal and penile cancers. India has among the highest cervical cancer burdens globally — yet HPV vaccination rates remain below 5%. The vaccine is one of the most impactful cancer prevention tools available and is recommended for both men and women.

Who should take itMales & females aged 9–45. Most effective before HPV exposure (ideally ages 9–14). Adults up to 45 can still benefit significantly.
Schedule2 doses (ages 9–14) or 3 doses (ages 15–45), given over 6–12 months. Physician assessment required.
HPV Vaccine Cervical Cancer Men & Women Cancer Prevention
✈️

Hepatitis, Typhoid, Tdap & Travel Vaccines Destination-specific & booster immunisations

Consult

Whether you're travelling internationally or simply need a Hepatitis B or Tetanus booster, we offer a full range of adult immunisations. I create a personalised vaccine schedule based on your age, medical history, and travel plans.

Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Typhoid Tdap (Tetanus) Travel Vaccines MMR

Quick Comparison Table

VaccinePreventsSchedulePrice
🤧 InfluenzaSeasonal fluAnnual₹2,000
🫁 PCV-20Pneumonia, meningitisSingle dose₹5,600
🛡️ ShingrixShingles & nerve pain2 doses (2–6 mo)₹11,000/dose
🧬 HPVCervical & other cancers2–3 dosesConsult
✈️ Hep A/B, TdapLiver, travel, tetanusVariesConsult
⚠️ Special note for diabetic patients

People with Type 2 Diabetes are 3× more likely to be hospitalised with flu complications and 6× more likely to die from pneumococcal disease. The CDC, ADA, and RSSDI all recommend annual flu shots and pneumococcal vaccination for every diabetic patient. At Nirvana Clinic, I manage your diabetes and vaccinations together. Learn about our Diabetes Care programme →

How Vaccination Works at Nirvana Clinic

01

Pre-Assessment

Brief health evaluation — medical history, allergies, current medications, and previous vaccination records reviewed by Dr. Manuj Sondhi.

02

Personalised Schedule

Not everyone needs every vaccine. A tailored immunisation plan is created based on your age, health conditions, and travel needs.

03

Safe Administration

All vaccines stored per WHO cold-chain standards. Administered by trained staff under physician supervision. 15-minute post-vaccine observation.

04

Follow-Up & Record

Digital vaccination record. Reminders for second doses. Side-effect guidance and 24/7 WhatsApp access for any concerns.

Dr. Manuj Sondhi
Dr. Manuj Sondhi
MRCP (UK) · MD Internal Medicine · Ex–Sir Ganga Ram Hospital · Ex–Tata Memorial Hospital

One of Greater Noida's few MRCP UK-certified physicians, Dr. Manuj combines deep infectious disease expertise with 17 peer-reviewed publications. His Fellowship at Tata Memorial Hospital makes him uniquely qualified to assess and administer adult vaccines — especially for patients with complex conditions like diabetes, immunosuppression, or multiple co-morbidities.

Infectious Disease MRCP UK 17 Publications Preventive Medicine
View Full Profile →

"My father is 68 and diabetic. Dr. Manuj didn't just give the flu shot — he assessed my father's kidney function, checked his previous vaccination history, and created a full schedule including pneumonia and shingles vaccines. That level of care from a single doctor is rare."

— Verified Patient Family, Greater Noida

Frequently Asked Questions

QWho should take the flu vaccine every year?

All adults should take an annual flu shot — especially those aged 50+, healthcare workers, pregnant women, and people with diabetes, asthma, heart or lung disease. The flu virus mutates every season, so last year's vaccine doesn't protect you this year.

QIs PCV-20 really a single lifetime dose?

Yes. PCV-20 (Prevnar 20) covers 20 pneumococcal serotypes in one injection and does not require a booster. It has replaced the older 2-shot PCV-13 + PPSV-23 schedule. If you've already had PCV-13, you may still benefit — Dr. Manuj can advise based on your history.

QHow effective is the Shingles (Shingrix) vaccine?

Shingrix is over 90% effective at preventing shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia in adults over 50. Protection remains strong for at least 7–10 years. Two doses required, given 2–6 months apart.

QAre vaccines safe for diabetic patients?

Absolutely — and strongly recommended. Diabetes weakens immune response, making infections more dangerous. The ADA, CDC, and RSSDI all recommend flu, pneumococcal, shingles and Hepatitis B vaccines for diabetic patients. Dr. Manuj manages both diabetes and vaccination together.

QCan men take the HPV vaccine?

Yes. HPV causes throat, anal and penile cancers in men. Gardasil 9 is recommended for males aged 9–45. Early vaccination is most effective, but adults up to 45 can still benefit significantly.

QDo I need to book in advance?

Walk-ins are welcome for flu vaccines. For Shingrix, HPV and PCV-20, we recommend calling +91 88002 62767 to confirm stock, as these are specialty vaccines. WhatsApp booking is also available.

QWhere is Nirvana Clinic located?

Shop GF-93, Ground Floor, Sun Twilight Mall, Opp. Delta 1 Metro Station, Greater Noida, UP 201308. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM – 8 PM. Easily accessible from the Aqua Line Metro.

Not Sure Which Vaccines You Need?

Schedule a preventive health audit with Dr. Manuj Sondhi (MRCP UK). He'll assess your age, medical history and lifestyle to create a personalised immunisation plan.

📍 GF-93, Sun Twilight Mall, Opp. Delta 1 Metro · Greater Noida, UP 201308 · Mon–Sat 9AM–8PM

Medical Disclaimer: Vaccine recommendations may vary based on individual medical history and current health status. All treatments require consultation with Dr. Manuj Sondhi before administration. Prices are indicative and subject to change. Last reviewed: March 2026. © 2026 Nirvana Clinic · All Rights Reserved.