Do you need a tetanus shot if you get pricked by a skewer?
Nov 05, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
If punctured by a skewer, shallow and clean wounds generally do not require tetanus vaccination. However, for deep wounds, contaminated or rusty skewers, or individuals with unknown immunization history, it is recommended to receive a tetanus vaccine or antitoxin promptly. If the wound continues bleeding, or shows signs of redness, swelling, or pus formation, immediate medical attention is advised. From a wound perspective, if the skewer is clean and causes only superficial abrasions with minimal bleeding.
If a skewer punctures your hand, a shallow and clean wound usually does not require a tetanus shot. However, if the wound is deep, contaminated, caused by a rusty skewer, or if the person's immunization history is unknown, it is recommended to promptly receive a tetanus vaccine or antitoxin. If the wound continues bleeding, becomes red, swollen, or starts discharging pus, seek medical attention immediately.
From a wound perspective, if the skewer is clean and causes only a superficial skin scratch with minimal bleeding, Clostridium tetani bacteria are unlikely to grow, so a tetanus shot is unnecessary. However, if the skewer is rusty or contaminated with dirt or other pollutants, or if the wound is deep and creates an anaerobic (low-oxygen) environment, there is a higher risk of tetanus infection, and vaccination should be administered promptly.
Regarding immunization history, individuals who have completed the full tetanus vaccination series within the past 5–10 years typically have sufficient antibody levels; in cases of deep wounds, they only need a booster dose. Those who have never been vaccinated, whose immunization status is unknown, or who have not received a booster in over 10 years should receive standard treatment with tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin regardless of wound depth to prevent infection.
In daily life, after being punctured, first rinse the wound thoroughly with water, then disinfect it with iodophor. Keep the wound dry and clean, avoid contact with dirty water, and maintain a light diet during recovery, avoiding spicy foods to promote healing.
