A children's health charity says the government needs to do more to support young people's vaping addiction.

A loophole in a new law banning specialist vape stores from setting up within 300 metres from schools or marae from October, exempts dairies and supermarkets.

The Health Ministry has confirmed general retailers can still set up from October 1.

Life Education Trust chief executive John O'Connell told Kate Hawkesby schools need more health access to support addicted students. 

He says schools are struggling for solutions - and too often it becomes a behavioural issue and a child is stood down, when they need health support.

LISTEN ABOVE