The risk of contracting hepatitis B: (HBV) by health workers is widely accepted. In 1989 our Hepatology Service started a voluntary anti-HBV vaccination program, employing recombinant vaccine (SKF) by intramuscular route with a 0-1-6 month schedule after screening with antibody against the anti-core HBV antigen (AntiHBc Elisa Abbott). Initially, it was planned to monitor antibody titers against superficial antigen (Anti-HBs) 30 days after the last dose. An epidemiological form listing personal data, working area, profession, seniority, written consent for blood extraction and tentative acceptance of vaccination, was completed by 357 hospital staff members. After serological screening, only 184 (51%) workers agreed to receive vaccination. Given the paucity of volunteers, an attempt was made to explain this degree of reluctance by a randomized blind voluntary survey, to which 349 hospital staff members and 40 medical students replied. Questions were related to knowledge concerning vaccination in general, hepatitis and particularly hepatitis B, and specific anti-HBV vaccination. An appraisal of data gathered disclosed a considerable lack of information not only on the risk of HBV infection and its complications, but also on the existence of a suitable vaccine. Non-existent adverse effects of vaccination were mentioned, including AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome), hepatitis and cirrhosis, among others. To overcome this obstacle, we held a two-day workshop on hepatitis B prevention and prophylaxis intended for medical and ancillary staff. After the meeting, which were attended by 221 members, 48 individuals, comprising 25 physicians and 23 nurses, spontaneously requested to be vaccinated.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)