TORONTO - Canada's chief public health officer says Canadians shouldn't become complacent about H1N1 influenza, which is unpredictable and could stage a big comeback in the new year.

Dr. David-Butler Jones says Canada is not done yet with H1N1 flu and there could well be a third wave of the pandemic in the coming months.

He also warns that the holiday season is an ideal time for the virus to spread because of people gathering for festivities.

Butler-Jones says the best way to protect oneself from the disease is by getting vaccinated.

About 40 per cent of Canadians have been inoculated against the virus and the federal government says there is enough vaccine for every Canadian who wants it.

Since the pandemic strain emerged in late April, 8,102 Canadians have been hospitalized because of H1N1 flu complications and 390 have died of the disease.