A shieldable needle device includes a hub with and a needle cannula having a puncture tip extending from a forward end thereof, and a shield member in telescoping association with the hub. At least one of the hub and the shield member are adapted for relative axial movement with respect to the other between a first position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is exposed from a forward end of the shield member and a second position in which the puncture tip of the needle cannula is encompassed within the shield member. A drive member extends between the hub and the shield member, biasing the hub and the shield member axially away from each other. A packaging cover may further extend about the needle cannula, applying external pressure between the cooperating portions of the hub and the shield.
