Will Falconer, DVM Moderator
Hi P.J.
It really depends on you and your relationship with your vet. Neither of your dogs should be vaccinated, and that's worth fighting for. At their age, they are immune to rabies for the rest of their lives and one is already sick (chronic allergies), so another shot is all risk, no benefit.
If your vet stands on the "This is the law!" perhaps gently telling him you've learned that the law is ignoring what immunology has known for years (that immunity to virus vaccines lasts a very long time). And you know from your studies, that your Maltese is too sick to get any vaccines (it's on every label: Only for Use in Healthy Dogs, Cats, and Ferrets).
You don't really have a "legal ground" to stand on, but neither does your vet. He's not a sheriff, he's a vet. No one is going to arrest him (or you) for allowing your dogs to live out their last years well within the intent of the law (they're immune to rabies), but not within the letter of the law.
It all starts with your relationship with him, and his willingness to be reasonable. If he's not willing, you need to fire him and seek someone more up to date and open minded. And homeopathic vets are too few to be even in every good sized city, but don't let that stop you. I tell you in my Apoquel Alternatives Report (it's on your Member Home) how to find one who works at a distance.