An auto injector comprises a housing having a forward end, a container in the housing for storing an injectable medication, an injection needle having a sharp forward end, the needle being connectible with the interior of the container to enable medication to flow to and through the needle； and a needle shield extendable from the forward end of the housing, the needle shield being substantially flat and having a needle-receptive passageway formed therethrough； the needle shield being movable from a retracted position to an extended position, the extended position being sufficiently forward of the housing to cover the needle； and a biohazard indicator (166) on at least one flat surface of the needle shield.
