Minor cuts to human skin from rust usually do not require tetanus vaccination if treated correctly and promptly. Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani infection, which is a specialized anaerobic bacterium that needs to multiply in an oxygen-deficient environment in order to cause damage to the body. If you are only slightly scratched by rust, you will not usually get tetanus infection because the wound is shallow and cannot form a confined anoxic environment, so you do not need a tetanus vaccination at this time. However, if the cut by the rusty object is more serious and the wound is deeper, tetanus vaccination is recommended. Daily attention should be paid to avoid contact with sharper iron, so as not to injure the local skin, and if the injury should be treated promptly to avoid aggravation of the disease.