A needle electrode is provided incorporating a protective flap and optionally a retraction chamber. By providing an impenetrable barrier covering the area of skin over the needle's tip, the protective flap protects against needle sticks that can occur when the tip of a needle electrode is pushed back out through the skin. An adhesive layer on the skin-side of the protective flap secures the needle in place without the use of a separate piece of adhesive tape. Other types of needles can incorporate flaps for protection or for securing the needle to the patient.