Abstract: A user-protective holder for use with a hypodermic syringe comprises a unitary tubular holder member adapted to be received over the syringe barrel, a coupling device for securing the holder member to the finger flanges of the barrel, and a tubular protective sheath received over the barrel in a retracted position in which the needle is exposed for use and movable along the barrel to an extended position in which the needle is received entirely within the sheath such that the sheath protects the user against needle pricks. A releasable latch device couples the sheath to the holder member in the retracted position. The latch device and the coupling device are designed to enable the holder member and sheath to be preassembled to each other before the syringe is inserted into and coupled to the holder member. A spring or a latch device holds the sheath in the extended position.