Babies need to be vaccinated against tetanus if their hands are cut by rusty metal and the wounds are large and deep, but they may not be vaccinated against tetanus if their hands are cut by other objects and the wounds are small and shallow.
Tetanus bacillus is an anaerobic bacterium that is difficult to grow in an aerobic environment. Rusty metal can easily carry tetanus bacillus, so if your baby’s hand is scratched by rusty metal and the wound is large and deep, it is recommended to clean and sterilize the wound and take your baby for tetanus vaccination.
If the baby’s hand is scratched by other clean objects and the wound is smaller and shallower, you can clean and disinfect the wound and do not need to inject tetanus vaccine.
If you are not sure what scratched your baby’s hand, parents are advised to clean and disinfect the wound and then bring the baby to the hospital to consult the doctor whether tetanus is needed.