Abstract: A syringe is provided which includes a sleeve for protecting against accidental needle stick. The syringe includes a cylindrical barrel including a pair of opposing openings, one of which is elongate to allow a cartridge to be loaded or removed therethrough. The sleeve includes a pair of corresponding openings which are registrable with the barrel openings when the sleeve is in the retracted position. The sleeve accordingly does not interfere with the normal cartridge loading and removal procedures. Once an injection has been completed, the sleeve may be moved to the extended position and the syringe needle can be safety recapped.