The present invention provides a novel construction for a hypodermic syringe apparatus by the inclusion of a needle guard assembly with shielding for protection of the needle after use and preventing of the spreading of disease and/or infection to users or localized personnel prior to disposal of the disposable syringe. The assembly includes a needle cover which is preferably tubular and is movable between a retracted positioned within the syringe and a deployed position extending around the needle for preventing contact therewith. A unique locking mechanism is included with two pins and two unlocking buttons for selectively initiating unlocking of the needle cover to facilitate movement of it to the deployed position responsive to activation of a needle cover button.