Documents
Get your medical records
Your own health history, which you have a right to.
What it is
Copies of your medical file: what you have been treated for, what you are allergic to, and which vaccinations you have had.
Why it matters
A new doctor will ask. Some jobs, colleges and programmes need proof of immunisation. If you were in care, your records may sit with several providers and with the county agency.
Who issues it
Each clinic or hospital that treated you, and the county agency that held custody
What to have with you
- Photo ID
- The names of clinics or hospitals, and roughly when you were seen
Cost and how long
Providers may charge for copies but often cannot charge you for records sent to another provider. Ask for them to be sent directly to your new doctor, which is usually free.
Ask the provider directly
Every clinic has a records request form. You do not need a reason and you do not have to explain yourself.
Ask your county agency for what they hold
While you were in care the agency kept health information about you. You can ask for your own file.
Ohio JFS, foster careAsk specifically for immunisation records
This is the one most often needed and the easiest to get, and it is sometimes held on a state registry even when the rest is scattered.
Where this comes from
Written by the Student Civic Leaders cohort from the public guidance of the organisations below. They own the rules and the current fees; we only explain the process. Where the two differ, believe them, and tell us so we can fix it.
Last reviewed September 2026.
This is information, not legal or financial advice, and rules and fees change. Bridge explains how to get these things and never holds, uploads or stores a document for you. If you get stuck, dial 211 and a person will help you work out the next step.