The CDC has made it official. Those who are eligible for the extra dose of the COVID-19 vaccine can now get one. They can also choose whichever vaccine they want.

With all three vaccines approved for booster shots, residents in the Hudson Valley are deciding whether or not to roll up their sleeves for the extra shot.

The CDC gave the final approval for the Johnson & Johnson and the Moderna boosters on Thursday. Pfizer received theirs in September.

White House medical officials are saying the booster shot is needed because protection against COVID-19 decreases after the initial doses.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Insitute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, is encouraging people to get their booster shots.

"Israel, is about a month ahead of us in the timetable, is seeing a substantial waning of immunity over several months," says Fauci. "First against infection and the in some age groups, severe disease which is why we are giving boosters."

Hastings resident, Brett Anderson, says he will get his to protect his family.

"For me, in part, until my kids can get vaccinated, it's one of the things I can do to protect them," says Anderson.

According to CDC officials, those eligible for the booster are people 65 years and older, those with underlying health issues and people at high risk.

CDC officials say people who received a Pfizer or Moderna shot are eligible for a booster six months after their initial shot. Those who received the Johnson & Johnson are eligible for a booster two months after.