Abstract: A protective shield surrounding a container for a hypodermic needle. The container is an elongate container for a needle, the container having a neck adapted to receive a closure. A protective shield is carried at the neck, the shield being foldable down against the body of the container. There is a cylindrical holder at the end of the closure so that, when the closure is in position, the holder, or closure extension, holds the protective shield in folded position. When the closure is removed, the shield expands out to provide the protective shield on reinsertion of the needle into the container.